A CO-OP inundated with light fingered customers has resorted to replacing the items on its shelves with empty "display packets" after it was hit by a wave of crime.
Exasperated staff at the shop in Redcliffe, Bristol even say the thieves don disguises in order to hit the store several times a day.
The store joins a Spar in Liverpool who had to hide their coffee from caffeine addicted shoplifters and another Co-op in Manchester who suffered a similar fate.
Shop workers say they have had to cut holes in display boxes of chocs and sweets so anyone attempting to run off will see the goods tumble to the floor.
An employee said: "We had a lady in yesterday who picked up a whole box of Munchies.
"They all fell through the hole and we heard them hit the floor.
SHAMELESS THIEVES
"Now, you're not going to be picking up the whole box unless you've really got the Munchies or you're nicking it, so I confronted her and I was able to get the sweets back."
They also limit the amount of luxury items like premium steak and bacon on display – putting out only a couple at a time, with customers having to request a member of staff to top them up.
And shockingly, cheese lovers will now have to request the strong stuff from staff members as shelves will be limited to just two packs of Cathedral City Mature after a spate of shameless cheese thefts.
The store is currently only displaying empty coffee jars, ranging from £2.27 Co-op own brand rich roast to the £8.48 Kenco premium option.
In the detergent aisle, 12 empty display packs fill the shelves, including an £8.09 Ariel gel and £3 Bold product.
LOW-PRIORITY CRIMES
Shoplifters have even taken to changing their appearance so they are not recognised by staff.
One staff member revealed: "We know the usual suspects.
"Recently a woman came in whom I had asked to leave a couple of months prior.
"This time she had a wig on and she came in when it was busy, but I still recognised her.
"You develop a bit of a sixth sense for these people."
The worker says that company policy often prevents them from tackling shoplifters, and the police are too busy to attend reports of shoplifting.
He added: "Police do not investigate most of the thefts because they are low value.
"We understand that, but if you think about why these people are doing it, they will do a resale to fund a quick hit of whatever drug they are using.
"Think of all the addiction issues we are facing in this city. This is where it starts."
A spokesman for Southern Co-op confirmed they had experienced a spike in thefts, but assured they were taking precautions to battle it.
An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "When there is an incident of a shop theft where an offender has been detained by a retailer we will always make every effort to attend if resources are available.
"Prioritisation of crimes, such as serious sexual offences, child sexual exploitation, high risk missing people, drugs and modern slavery or human trafficking means we have to make tough decisions about getting the right resource with the right skills to all requests for our services which require a response."
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