Chocolate Kept in Anti-Theft Boxes as Retailers Warn It’s Being Stolen to Order
Chocolate bars are increasingly being locked away in plastic anti-theft boxes in some UK shops, amid rising concerns from retailers and police that thieves are stealing them to order.
– Sainsbury’s Response: Sainsbury’s has implemented measures by using protective boxes for products which are regularly targeted, including £2.60 bars of Cadbury Dairy Milk in one London branch.
– Rising Criminal Activity: The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) highlights a disturbing trend where chocolate is now frequently targeted by prolific offenders, with criminals reselling the stolen treats.
– Police Observations: Although the National Police Chiefs’ Council did not respond to inquiries about the scale of this issue, individual forces have noted rising incidents of chocolate theft. Some police departments have even circulated videos showcasing these thefts to raise awareness. For example, West Midlands Police recently shared CCTV footage of a man stealing trays of chocolate from a Stourbridge shop, while Wiltshire Police showcased another incident involving a whole shelving unit.
– Notable Arrests: In a striking incident last year, Cambridgeshire Police arrested a man caught with a coat full of Cadbury’s Creme Eggs. Police emphasized that chocolate is among the high-value items often targeted, alongside alcohol, meat, and coffee.
– Impact of Theft: The British Retail Consortium reported 5.5 million detected incidents of shop theft in the past year, with an alarming 1,600 daily cases of violence and abuse against retail workers. While these figures showed a reduction of one-fifth from the previous year, they still represent the second highest total on record.
‘Swiping the Whole Shelf’
Supermarkets have ramped up security measures for chocolate bars, mirroring Sainsbury’s efforts. Tesco and Co-Op have also adopted similar transparent anti-theft boxes that require staff assistance to access the products.
– Costs of Theft: The Heart of England Co-Op group reported a loss of £250,000 due to chocolate thefts last year, indicating chocolate was the most stolen product in 2024, only surpassed by alcohol in 2025. Chief Executive Steve Browne noted that chocolate theft is a massive issue, stating that in some instances, one individual could cost stores thousands of pounds weekly by swiping the whole shelf. A single shelf of chocolate can be valued at up to £500, and the Co-Op group has invested £3 million in security measures to combat these thefts.
– Retailer Experiences: Sunita Aggarwal, who manages two convenience stores in Leicester and Sheffield, observed an increase in thefts with customers appearing to steal entire boxes of chocolate. We know illicit trade is definitely on the up, she stated. Aggarwal has made significant investments in security, deploying over 30 CCTV cameras and utilizing AI technology to identify known shoplifters at the checkout. She now limits the amount of chocolate displayed and avoids placing it in easily accessible areas.
– Individual Struggles: Fiona Avenal Malone, who runs a shop in Tenby, Wales, reported losing £200-£300 each week to chocolate thefts. We noticed that after putting out a whole line of chocolate bars, only one would be left, she expressed, sharing her frustration upon reviewing CCTV footage of the incidents.
The Chocolate Crime Wave
Paul Cheema, owner of Malcom’s convenience stores in Coventry, remarked, Chocolate is the new buzzword for organized crime. Once it was items like razors or coffee, but now thieves are specifically targeting chocolate for resale. They easily take £200 to £250 worth of chocolate in a rucksack, he noted.
Addressing the Problem
To combat this escalating issue, the ACS advocates for enhanced police support and stronger penalties for criminals caught stealing chocolate. Chief Executive James Lowman stated, Confectionery, like other commonly stolen products, is being resold through illicit markets that fund broader criminal activities. He called for more decisive action to dismantle the networks that resell stolen goods.
The BBC has reached out to the National Police Chiefs’ Council for comments regarding the ACS’s request for stronger actions against these thefts.
In conclusion, as chocolate theft continues to escalate, retailers are forced to implement stringent security measures to safeguard their products. Addressing the rise in chocolate theft not only benefits businesses but also helps protect retail workers from the associated risks and challenges.