Bristol supermarket takes drastic measures to stop shoplifters

A supermarket in Bristol has resorted to displaying empty containers on their shelves in an unusual move to try and combat shoplifters.

An employee at the Redcliffe Co-op says thieves target the store several times each day, with repeat offenders even disguising themselves.

Laundry detergent is also one of the items that customers have to request. Credit: Bristol Live

Staff have been emptying containers of popular products like coffee and laundry detergent before putting them back on the shelves.

If a customer wants to buy one of these items, then staff must go and collect them from the stockroom.

The initiative started a month ago and the staff member believes some other Co-op branches in the city are also following their lead.

Southern Co-op says they have experienced an increase in retail crime. Credit: Bristol Live

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "When there is an incident of a shop theft where an offender has been detained by a retailer we will always make every effort to attend if resources are available."