Primark is trialling new methods to clamp down on shoplifting.

The fashion and accessories retailer, which last year began equipping some staff with body cameras as part of efforts to deal with anti-social behaviour, will now be sealing its paper bags after customers have paid.

The nationwide chain has confirmed ‘a number of stores’ will be closing the tops of the paper bags with large blue ‘sold’ stickers after customers have purchased their shopping.

It means that anyone leaving carrying a Primark bag without one of the stickers risks being stopped by on-site security guards, who can check they aren’t leaving with items not paid for.

A spokesperson said: “Anti-social behaviour and crime is rising and we’re working with retailers and organisations to help tackle this.

"We’re now also trialling new measures to help prevent stock loss, which includes sealing bags with ‘sold’ stickers once a customer pays for their items at the tills.

"We’ll be keeping an eye on this and monitoring the impact these new measures have.”

Primark, which is nearing its 50th anniversary, was among a number of big-name high street chains to warn about the problems facing retailers.

Associated British Foods, Primark’s owner, warned last Septemebr that company profit margins were likely to suffer as a result of the lawlessness being experienced by the UK’s high street.

Its announcement followed similar warnings by John Lewis and Tesco.