Sainsbury’s in Liverpool Road has installed extra security at the self-service checkouts to deter shoplifters.
As of Monday (December 12), customers have to scan their receipt in order to exit the self-service checkout area.
Metropolitan Police data shows that shoplifting cases in London have spiked in recent months amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Police recorded 3,470 cases of shoplifting in October this year, compared to 3,025 cases in July, an increase of 15 per cent.
A recent Freedom of Information request by The Telegraph to police forces across the UK found that Sainsbury’s and Tesco were the supermarkets most popular with thieves nationwide.
A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “This is not a new security measure and features in a small number of our stores at the self-service checkout areas.”
The supermarket chain assured customers that there are dedicated exit points and colleague support in the store for those who have made no purchases.
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