Security tags on cheese? Tesco's credit crunch plan

08:07 08 July 2009

Usually when the supermarket alarm goes off, it's because a member of staff has left an electronic tag on a CD, but now it could very well go off due to a block of cheese. 

After an increase in shoplifting since the recession took hold, Tesco has set up their own brand of mousetrap by placing the metal security strips (usually found on alcohol or electrical goods) onto everyday items such as cheese and steak.

The store in Brockworth, Gloucester made headlines after its supplies of Cathedral City cheddar became theft deterrents.

Tesco would not comment on the exact rise of shoplifting, but stated: "We have a number of security measures that we enforce in our stores across the UK.

"The decision to use security tags is always made by the manager of the store and tags are used on various items such as bottles of spirits, all at the manager's discretion."

The Retail Food Consortium, however, stated that electronic tags may soon be seen on all supermarket food.

A spokesman commented: "We expect crime to go up during the recession. Shops will look at this and step up security."

Godfrey Browning, Brockworth parish councillor, said: "Anything to discourage shoplifters is a good thing, and this is something I would certainly encourage. Meat and cheese is getting very expensive now, so this could be seen as necessary."

In 2008, thefts rose by more than a third at Tesco since the credit crunch took its grip.