UK Shops Lock Chocolate to Combat Shoplifting

Shops in the UK are taking extreme action to stop shoplifters from stealing chocolate.

Stores are locking chocolate in plastic boxes.

Customers must ask a member of staff to unlock the box.

One supermarket said it is using "boxes on products which are regularly targeted" by thieves.

Another store said chocolate theft was a "massive issue" and costs thousands of pounds a week.

It said some shoplifters "literally swipe the whole shelf" of chocolate.

Chocolate is the latest target of criminal gangs.

A store association said "prolific offenders" are stealing chocolate and selling it on the black market.

Only alcohol is stolen more often.

Another association said chocolate was now a "high-value" target, so stores are installing anti-theft devices.

There were more than 5.5 million reported incidents of shoplifting in the UK last year.

Sadly, there are 1,600 violent attacks against shop workers every day.