• Chocolate bars now locked in anti-theft cases in some UK stores
• Police warn of rising candy thefts linked to organized networks

Some British retailers have started placing chocolate bars inside locked plastic cases after warnings from police and shopkeepers about on-demand thefts.

The chain said the new measures target products that are frequently stolen at one of its London branches.

The Small Retailers Association noted that stolen chocolate often ends up sold through criminal networks, making it a repeated target for known offenders.

Police have recently noticed this trend and shared videos documenting chocolate thefts to raise awareness of the issue.

Cambridge Police told a UK newspaper: "Chocolate is a high-value item targeted alongside meat and coffee. These thefts have real, long-term effects—not just on stores, but on staff who face abuse and threats while handling them."

Data shows there were 5.5 million shoplifting incidents last year in the UK, with 1,600 daily cases of violence or abuse against employees, despite a one-fifth drop compared to the previous year.

To reduce losses, stores have increased security by placing chocolate inside clear cases that can only be opened by staff upon request.