Cost of living crisis hits ‘new low’ as Tesco locks £2 chocolate in security boxes

Supermarket shoppers have expressed dismay at what they call a ‘new low’ in the ongoing cost of living crisis, following the emergence of an image showing chocolate bars secured in protective boxes .

The photo, which has been making the rounds on social media, was taken at a Tesco supermarket in London and shows Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, Nestle’s Milky Bar and Galaxy chocolates under lock and key.

The image was first shared by London and UK Street News on X (formerly Twitter), with the caption: “Chocolate bars locked in security boxes at a Tesco supermarket in London”, pointing to the Newham as the location of this enhanced security measure. .

The move follows similar actions where everyday items like toilet paper, Lurpak butter and cheese were placed under increased security due to concerns about theft amid rising prices.

Social media users on X were quick to react to the post, with one commenting: “That’s a whole new level of weak.” Another chimed in in disbelief, saying: “I can’t even understand how embarrassing this makes us look at other countries.” »

Others were left perplexed by the situation, with one person thinking: “This is wild… imagine asking the staff for a chocolate bar.”

Meanwhile, another person expressed their disbelief: “I can’t believe this is all a fever dream and that I’m going to wake up any moment and the world will be normal.”

Some defended the supermarket’s decision, saying it was a “sign of the times”.

One social media user asked: “What else can marketers do? The laws of this country favor shoplifters and encourage shoplifting. The police will not take any action, leaving traders with no choice but to resort to measures like these. »

Another commented on the state of law enforcement, saying: “This is a reflection on the level of law and order in London. Almost as if the criminals know they won’t be caught for their crime and Tesco now has to take matters into their own hands. “.

The move comes after security labels were spotted on packets of toilet paper in some Tesco stores last year, leading to a 24% increase in crime by the Office of National Statistics (ONS). of shoplifting reported in England and Wales in the previous 12 months.

Images that emerged on social media at the time highlighted various anti-theft strategies used by supermarkets, with security tags or stickers placed on items being among the most visible.

Tesco was approached by Reach for a statement.