Greggs has introduced theft-proof counters at three London hotspots in a bid to tackle shoplifting, moving fridges behind the counter to deter thieves. The bakery chain is testing an alternative store layout in West Croydon, Peckham, and Upton Park, where self-service displays have been removed and all products are sold over the counter.
Expanding Anti-Theft Measures
This initiative follows a similar trial at Greggs' Whitechapel branch last May, where fridges were also placed behind the counter. In South Norwood, fridges are locked, and staff members are on hand with keys to serve customers. A Greggs spokesperson told The Sun that the measure is only being tested at a "very small number" of UK shops exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour.
Government Crackdown on Retail Crime
The move comes as the UK government intensifies efforts to combat retail crime. On Monday, April 27, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined a new plan to crack down on shoplifting, describing attempts to "cheat the system" as "disgraceful." He promised to deploy an additional 3,000 neighbourhood police officers on the streets. The government's wider strategy includes scrapping effective immunity for thieves stealing goods worth less than £200.
High-Profile Case Highlights Issue
Earlier this year, a serial Greggs thief nicknamed "Hamster" by staff was spared jail despite stealing nearly £2,000 worth of products from the same shop in Greenford. Adam Gosling, 39, targeted the store 38 times over six weeks, from December 30 last year to February 10. The value of each theft ranged from £12.30 to £100, with some days seeing multiple visits. Uxbridge Magistrates' Court heard that Gosling, who is currently homeless, pleaded guilty to 38 counts of theft from a shop. Chairwoman of the magistrates bench Judy Gregg sentenced him to four months in prison, suspended for one year.
Greggs' Statement
A Greggs spokesperson said: "This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a very small number of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour. Customers can expect to see our full range of great value and tasty Greggs favourites available from behind the counter."
The bakery chain continues to monitor the trials and may expand the measures if successful.
