Supermarkets’ security crackdown hits CHRISTMAS as Co-op locks up £5 chocolate gifts in boxes to deter shoplifters

BOXES of chocolates have been put in security cases in Co-op amid fears of a rise in festive thefts.

The Guylian the Original Seashells are on sale for £5.25 ahead of Christmas.

The premium Belgian chocs were spotted locked in a clear, security box which would need to be opened by a member of staff on the tills.

It was spotted at the branch of Co-op in Ickenham, west London, on December 4.

One shocked shopper said: "I couldn't believe it when I spotted it. I've had them before

"They're a nice bit of chocolate so I can understand the attention they might get. But do they really need to be security tagged?

"What confused me is there was a more expensive box of chocolates above the ones that were security tagged.

"They were left bare so the local shoplifters must love Belgian chocolates."

It comes following a spate of shoplifting cases as Brits struggle during the cost of living crisis.

Earlier this year lamb chops and beef steaks were also put in security boxes in Co-op in an attempt to deter thieves.

The GPS-tracked plastic boxes contained sirloin steaks worth just £3.99 and lamb chops worth £6.

Rumps worth £4.75 could be found boxed up in the Co-op branch in Hornsea, near Bridlington, East Yorkshire.

The containers had labels on them that read: "Caution. Security device. Must be removed at checkout before leaving the store."

Customer Dylan John, 46, who was visiting the seaside town with his family, said: "Talk about a steak out.

"I've never seen anything as crazy as lamb chops being protected by GPS tracking.

";I can just imagine boffins at NASA sitting in front of a big screen showing the UK.

"And little dots moving around showing where the lamb cutlets are. It's bonkers."

The Sun has approached Co-op for a comment.