Shops cut out theft with cardboard booze bottles
SUPERMARKETS are replacing bottles of alcohol with cardboard cut-outs in a bid to tackle drug-fuelled theft.
The move comes as the retail industry called on the Government to create a specific criminal offence to protect staff against violence.
Experts say stores are looking at innovative ways to reduce crime including removing premium brands such as Ciroc and Grey Goose vodka and Johnniewalker Black Label whisky from shelves.
Instead, customers take a replica cut-out to a checkout to exchange for the real item.
Morrisons is one of the supermarket chains to have adopted the initiative.
Trade groups say the tactic is the latest in a number of moves being used to combat crime against staff.
The British Retail Consortium wants employees to be specially protected against assault in the same way as emergency workers.
James Martin, of the BRC, said: “Retailers are constantly adopting new and innovative ways to prevent crime, investing nearly £1billion this year alone.
“Theft remains a main driver for violence against retail workers, with figures showing 115 colleagues attacked every day.we call on the Government to legislate for tougher sentences.”
The move comes as pub giant Wetherspoon put up signs announcing a zero tolerance policy, vowing to prosecute customers who physically or verbally abuse staff.
Costa Coffee began warning customers earlier this year that it would eject anyone acting in a violent or aggressive way towards workers.
A study by City, University of London, claimed a rise in violent retail crime is causing “long-lasting anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder” among staff.
Home Office data showed that assaults and threats against shop staff rose from 524 incidents per 1,000 premises in 2016, to 1,433 in 2017. Knives were the most common weapon, used in more than 42,000 attacks.