Several shops and supermarkets across Britain have begun placing chocolate bars in plastic lock boxes following a marked rise in thefts.
According to a British broadcasting organisation, shopkeepers report that well-known chocolate brands now rank among the most frequently stolen items.
Industry experts have warned that stolen chocolate is later resold, with the proceeds channelled into other criminal activity.
Some small businesses face weekly losses amounting to hundreds of pounds worth of chocolate.
Police state that evidence indicates certain suspects are stealing specific quantities of chocolate to order.
One major UK supermarket chain has acknowledged that it is using special security boxes for products regularly targeted by thieves.
At a London branch, chocolate priced at £2.60 has also been placed in lock boxes, requiring customers to seek assistance from staff for access.
To highlight the issue, several police forces have shared videos on social media.
Police have released CCTV footage showing a man carrying away a tray of chocolate from a store, while another video shows an individual pulling an entire shelf out of a shop.
