Overview
- Asda, which reiterated Monday there are no immediate plans beyond its Ashton-under-Lyne pilot, is exploring vending-style dispensers to curb theft of small, easy-to-steal goods.
- The trial uses a two-ticket system that makes shoppers pay at the till before a machine dispenses the item, which is designed to cut theft and reduce clashes with staff.
- Managers have discussed moving batteries, razor blades and perfumes into machines because these products are small, high value and simple for gangs to sell on the black market.
- Retail crime data show the scale of the problem, with the British Retail Consortium reporting 5.5 million recorded shoplifting incidents last year costing nearly £400 million.
- Investigations are often hindered, as the Met’s retail crime lead said detectives lacked usable CCTV or bodycam footage in about 80% of 2025 shoplifting cases, while unions press for more visible in-store security.