PLEXI TIME
Fire crews forced to inspect brand new anti-theft measure installed at popular grocery chain after customer concerns
Customers didn't hold back with their complaints
FIRE crews have been called to inspect a fresh anti-theft measure at a popular Canadian supermarket chain.
Ottawa Fire Services are probing the installation of tall Plexiglas barriers at at least one Loblaws store following a slew of complaints.
1
"In this situation we would be assessing whether access to exits are being obstructed," said Jeff Herlihey, assistant division chief with Ottawa Fire Service's prevention division.
"And that is probably the main concern here.
“If a violation is found, with the requirements under the fire code, then we will address the deficiencies with the owner themselves.
"So, typically that's through an inspection order.”
read more news
The anti-theft product has been slammed by locals as an eyesore and an unproductive use of resources, CTV News reported.
"If somebody wants to steal something from a grocery store, they're going to steal it anyway," said shopper Gilles Lacasse.
"I think it's a waste of money. They don't look nice.
"Almost like telling you not to go in there."
Most read in The US Sun
"Using Plexiglas partitions is a proven, industry-wide way to prevent theft and keep a convenient, welcoming customer experience," Loblaw said in a statement to CTV News.
Rising theft continues to batter retail giants across North America - prompting anti-theft measures from bosses.
‘We must do all we can,’ vows city mayor as 371 99 Cents stores suddenly shut due to theft leaving workers without jobs
“Retail theft has increased across all categories including food, apparel and footwear merchandise," The Retail Council of Canada said in a statement.
"Escalating inflation and a growing re-sale market for stolen goods are some of the contributors.
"But there is also an alarming trend of repeat offenders and people using violence to commit their crimes, along with an increase in organized retail crime groups.
"Theft is often thought of as a victimless crime, but it’s not. It costs Canadian retailers billions of dollars a year - costs that are borne by all consumers when they go shopping.
"In addition to being frustrated by financial losses, business owners are concerned for the safety of their customers and employees.”
The U.S Sun has reached out to Loblaws for comment.
If somebody wants to steal something from a grocery store, they're going to steal it anyway
Gilles Lacasse
It comes after shoppers slammed a second Canadian supermarket chain for making the controversial decision to enclose the self-checkout area with plexiglass walls.
On Monday, Atlantic Superstore made headlines for rolling out the barriers in stores around Halifax, which is the capital of Nova Scotia.
The decision was made to cut down on organized crime like shoplifting rings, according to the chain.
Shoppers immediately voiced their frustrations with the move, and said they were tired of theft ruining the customer experience.
"We used to be a civilized society," one shopper said on X.
Read More on The US Sun
Others admitted they understood why the retailer was driven to put up the wall, saying, "High theft calls for high measures."
One shopper slammed the government for "refusing to address crime," and believed elected officials should be coming up with solutions instead of retailers.
Anti-theft measures seen in stores
Retailers across the US and Canada have rolled out strategies designed to combat theft. The U.S. Sun has compiled a list of measures that have been implemented at stores.
- Locking items in cabinets
- Security pegs
- Security cameras
- Signs warning about the impact of theft
- Receipt scanners
- Receipt checks
- Carts with locking technology
- Guard dogs
- Armed private security detail
- Plexiglass walls