Security-sealed meat boxes used to thwart thieves.
by Ed Targett
etargett@thekmgroup.co.uk
Meat joints at a Herne Bay supermarket have been locked away in
security-sealed boxes to deter thieves.
Iceland in Mortimer Street has resorted to using the 'lamb saver
boxes' - normally used to protect more expensive goods - in a bid
to thwart shoplifters.
Herne Bay Motor Cycles boss Simon Wightman said he is “disgusted
and saddened” by the lengths stores are having to go to protect
their goods.
He spoke out after it emerged Iceland was even considering
putting cheese in plastic security boxes.
The dad-of-three, from Greenhill, said: “I just think it is sad
that people feel they have to steal from Iceland to survive. What’s
the world coming to? When I saw them I couldn’t believe it.
“Someone trying to swipe something expensive from Marks &
Spencer you can almost understand.
“But pinching meat from Iceland? What’s next: an electric fence
around the fish fingers?”
His partner Gemma Hogan said: “When I laughed at the boxes the
woman at the checkout said they are even planning to put cheese in
security boxes.
“Apparently so many people steal it. It’s ridiculous. They stuff
it down their trousers and run out.”
Mr Wightman added: “You can understand them wanting the boxes
because even when their security guards catch someone they can’t
sell the cheese – it’s been down someone’s pants!”
Sheepish Iceland spokesman Amy Goble said: “The lamb saver boxes
are used in several hundred Iceland stores and are designed to
enhance the availability of the product for customers.
“The boxes are designed to serve as a defence mechanism to
reduce theft and thereby ensure there is maximum availability for
customers.”
Herne Bay Chamber of Commerce chairman Michael Khoury described
the move as “below the belt”.
He said: “This is going too far. If that is their policy across
hundreds of stores then there is something wrong with their sales
team.
“People will go to the butcher instead. In any business you
expect to lose around 7% with things dropped, stolen and so on. But
security boxes around the ingredients for your roast? That is below
the belt and going too far.”
What do you think? Leave a comment below.
23/11/12
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