Overview

• Greggs has removed self-service fridges in at least five stores, relocating sandwiches and bottled drinks behind the counter to reduce theft.
• The trial is focused on high-crime areas, including branches in Whitechapel, Peckham, and Ilford, which have reported frequent shoplifting incidents.
• Additional security measures being tested include bank-style screens, body-worn cameras for staff, and full-time security guards.
• Shoplifting offences in England and Wales reached a record 516,971 in 2024, a 20% increase from the previous year, according to the Office for National Statistics.
• Greggs emphasizes that these changes are part of a limited trial and there are no current plans for a nationwide rollout.