WHSmith has placed security tags on a £19 packet of Cadbury Mini Eggs in an apparent attempt to deter shoplifters. The anti-theft device was spotted on the 1kg bag of Easter chocolates at the retailer’s John Street store in Liverpool.
High street retailers have warned that shoplifting is reaching crisis levels, with around 50,000 incidents occurring daily over the past year. In December, WHSmith took similar measures during the Christmas period, tagging advent calendars, £2 Terry’s Chocolate Oranges, and card games to combat theft. Additionally, Panini stickers featuring Premier League and Peppa Pig characters, priced between 80p and £1, were kept behind the tills at its Croydon branch, according to The Mirror.
Shoppers were surprised by the latest security measure, which was noticed on Sunday. One social media user joked: “They better hatch dragons for £19.” Another commented: “Sorry, but the security thing is a bit much.” A third added: “No wonder they’re getting nicked.”
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), shoplifting incidents exceeded 20 million in 2024, costing retailers £2.2 billion, up from £2.1 billion the previous year. The organization noted that many of these crimes are linked to organized gangs.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the BRC, warned: “Retail crime is spiralling out of control. People in retail have been spat on, racially abused, and even threatened with machetes.”
A WHSmith spokesperson responded: “The high street is facing increased levels of crime, and like many businesses, we have been taking action to ensure our stores remain welcoming places for our colleagues and customers.”