Norwich: Co-up Sprowston Road locks up olive oil

Shoppers at the Co-op in Sprowston Road in NR3 can only get bottles of the oil – which cost up to £7.50 – once a member of staff has released them from a security case.  

Extra virgin olive oil is the latest item to be kept under lock and key amid shoplifting boom (Image: Submitted)READ MORE: Traffic chaos as six week roadworks begin in city

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: “Protecting the safety of our colleagues is a priority and we know shoplifting can be a flashpoint for violence against shopworkers so, whilst this is not a nationwide policy, a decision to implement product security measures at a local level will be made, if a store is experiencing a particular issue.”  

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The box instructs shoppers to take their items to the checkout to be removed (Image: Submitted)READ MORE: Photos of emotional kite flying memorial for Norwich wheelchair footballer

Matt Hood, Co-op Food managing director, said: ”We have seen some horrific incidents of brazen and violent theft in our stores, where my store colleagues feel scared and threatened.”