Shocking Measure Taken by Supermarket to Protect Australia's Favorite Snack from Thieves - What They're Doing Will Surprise You!
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In a world where the cost of living seems to be spiralling out of control, it's not just the big-ticket items that are feeling the pinch. The humble grocery store, a place of sustenance and comfort, has become a battleground for those trying to make ends meet. And in a surprising twist, it's not just the luxury items that are being targeted by thieves, but the everyday essentials that many of us take for granted.
Recently, a British supermarket took an extreme step to combat theft, highlighting the sad reality of the cost-of-living crisis that is gripping not only the UK but many parts of the world. In a Tesco store in King’s Cross, London, shoppers were met with an unusual sight: tins of Milo, an iconic Australian snack, secured with security tags.
The beloved chocolate and malt powder, which is a staple in many Australian households, was priced at a steep £6.60 (A$12.80) for a 400g tin. This is a significant markup compared to the prices back home, where a similar-sized tin can be found for $9.40 at Coles and $9 at Woolworths. But it wasn't just the price that caught people's attention. Each tin was encased in a net bag and tagged to deter shoplifters, a measure typically reserved for high-value items like electronics or alcohol.
This drastic measure is a response to the alarming rise in shoplifting rates, as families struggle to afford basic necessities. According to news.com.au, shoplifting in the UK has hit a 20-year high, with losses to theft doubling in the last year to £1.8bn (A$3.4bn). Retailers have been forced to spend an additional £1.2bn (A$2.3bn) on anti-crime measures, as reported by Graham Wynn of the British Retail Consortium.
The situation is mirrored in Australia, where the Crime Statistics Agency recorded a nearly 40% increase in shoplifting across Victoria, marking the highest figure in the agency's history. The most commonly stolen items are not luxury goods but everyday consumables like liquor, snack food, clothing, and soft drinks.
These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger issue. Laurence Guinness, head of the anti-poverty charity Childhood Trust, spoke to the BBC about the desperate measures some families are taking to feed their children. 'Money is not stretching far enough to meet the needs of the households,' he said. 'If you’ve only got £15 (A$29) a week to feed yourself and your family, you might put a packet of chicken breasts in your bag and [think] if you get caught, you’ll probably be OK.'
While theft can never be condoned, it's clear that hunger and need are powerful motivators for those who feel they have no other option. The sight of Milo tins under lock and key is a stark reminder of the challenges many face in these trying times.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of stretching our dollars and making the most of our resources. We also know the value of community and supporting one another. It's crucial to remember that while we may be fortunate enough to not have to make such difficult choices, there are many who aren't as lucky.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue. Have you noticed an increase in security measures at your local supermarkets? How has the cost-of-living crisis affected you and your community? Let's open up a dialogue and discuss ways we can help those in need during these challenging times.
Recently, a British supermarket took an extreme step to combat theft, highlighting the sad reality of the cost-of-living crisis that is gripping not only the UK but many parts of the world. In a Tesco store in King’s Cross, London, shoppers were met with an unusual sight: tins of Milo, an iconic Australian snack, secured with security tags.
The beloved chocolate and malt powder, which is a staple in many Australian households, was priced at a steep £6.60 (A$12.80) for a 400g tin. This is a significant markup compared to the prices back home, where a similar-sized tin can be found for $9.40 at Coles and $9 at Woolworths. But it wasn't just the price that caught people's attention. Each tin was encased in a net bag and tagged to deter shoplifters, a measure typically reserved for high-value items like electronics or alcohol.
Tesco in King’s Cross, London, added security tags to Milo tins due to rising shoplifting amid the cost-of-living crisis. Credit: Shutterstock
This drastic measure is a response to the alarming rise in shoplifting rates, as families struggle to afford basic necessities. According to news.com.au, shoplifting in the UK has hit a 20-year high, with losses to theft doubling in the last year to £1.8bn (A$3.4bn). Retailers have been forced to spend an additional £1.2bn (A$2.3bn) on anti-crime measures, as reported by Graham Wynn of the British Retail Consortium.
The situation is mirrored in Australia, where the Crime Statistics Agency recorded a nearly 40% increase in shoplifting across Victoria, marking the highest figure in the agency's history. The most commonly stolen items are not luxury goods but everyday consumables like liquor, snack food, clothing, and soft drinks.
These are not isolated incidents but symptoms of a larger issue. Laurence Guinness, head of the anti-poverty charity Childhood Trust, spoke to the BBC about the desperate measures some families are taking to feed their children. 'Money is not stretching far enough to meet the needs of the households,' he said. 'If you’ve only got £15 (A$29) a week to feed yourself and your family, you might put a packet of chicken breasts in your bag and [think] if you get caught, you’ll probably be OK.'
While theft can never be condoned, it's clear that hunger and need are powerful motivators for those who feel they have no other option. The sight of Milo tins under lock and key is a stark reminder of the challenges many face in these trying times.
As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the importance of stretching our dollars and making the most of our resources. We also know the value of community and supporting one another. It's crucial to remember that while we may be fortunate enough to not have to make such difficult choices, there are many who aren't as lucky.
