Asda is considering introducing vending machines for items such as razor blades in a bid to tackle a surge in shoplifting. It is understood the proposal would build upon a trial already under way at the retailer’s Ashton-under-Lyne store in Greater Manchester, where similar machines are currently in use for products including vapes and cigarettes.
Under the system, shoppers would select an item via a touchscreen and receive a ticket to present at the checkout for payment.
Once the transaction is completed, the customer would be handed a second ticket to activate the vending machine and release the product.
While company officials have held discussions about extending the scheme to other high-risk goods, no firm decisions have yet been taken, according to Retail Customer Experience.
It is understood that a broader rollout is not expected in the near term as the trial continues.
Retailers across the country have been pouring significant investment into loss-prevention measures.
According to figures from the British Retail Consortium, 5.5 million shoplifting incidents were recorded across the country last year. This cost about $542 million, though the true figure is likely to be considerably higher owing to widespread under-reporting.
Supermarkets have spent in excess of $6.77 billion on security improvements over the past five years.
These upgrades have encompassed expanded CCTV networks and increased numbers of in-store security staff.
Popular bakery chain Greggs has introduced a significant overhaul to a number of its outlets in a bid to combat shoplifting.
The high street favourite has relocated self-service fridges and shelves behind the counter in a sweeping shake-up at selected locations in order to deter thieves.
As a result, customers in high-risk areas will no longer be able to help themselves to a sandwich or a drink before heading to the till. Instead, staff will retrieve items from behind the counter, which will only be accessible to employees.