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Big changes to Greggs stores could soon be seen across the country as 5 stores trial a new layout intended to reduce shoplifting. Greggs stores are big targets for shoplifters, both needy

and not, and have seen significant losses to thieves. The British Retail Consortium reported that between 2023 and 2024, incidents of customer theft reported by retailers in the UK rose by

3.7 million to 20.4 million, and cost retailers £2bn. While the bakery chain is by no means the only high-street fixture affected, they have made a change to reduce the impact on their

stores. Soon, sandwiches and drinks will move from the self-serve fridges to behind the counter, in an effort to fend off shoplifters who typically take the sandwich and run. The bakery

chain typically displays the items in self-service fridges, but has ditched this in at least five stores due to a spate of thefts. The measures follow reports in the Sun that showed thieves

were targeting some Greggs shops every 20 minutes. Theft isn't the only issue faced by Greggs staff members, who have seen an increase in violence against staff members. A Greggs

spokesperson said: "This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful 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." She concluded that "The safety of our colleagues and customers remains

our number one priority." Greggs boss Roisin Currie told the PA news agency that there is a "significant" cost caused by thefts in some areas, driving the company to launch

security initiatives, which also include body-worn cameras worn by staff members. Greggs' sales have recently picked up, benefiting from "better trading conditions", with the

company estimating it could add between 140 and 150 stores to its roster this year. How many of them will have the self-serve fridges is yet to be seen. JOIN OUR COURT & CRIME WHATSAPP

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