Walmart customers were shocked to find high-tech security devices placed on meat packages as theft prevention measures sparked debate.
Walmart shoppers were recently surprised to find an unusual anti-theft measure in the meat section of their local store.
A viral video shows the butcher aisle protected by small wire cages, leaving many customers stunned.
Walmart implements new anti-theft measure on meats
The video, posted by TikTok user @solid_soul83, quickly gained attention, earning over 1.9 million views.
In it, the shopper expresses disbelief at the extreme lengths the store has gone to in order to secure their products.
“That’s when you know it’s bad,” the TikTok user remarked.
This is not the first time Walmart has implemented such measures.
A similar video from 2022 showed how the store has been increasing security for a while now.
The recent clip features a man holding a pack of Angus ribeye steaks, priced at $20.83, locked inside a metal cage.
His reaction, “Yo, you gotta be kidding me. Walmart now has the steak locked up. Holy sh-t. It’s come to this,” captures the disbelief of many customers.
@solid_soul83 Walmart tired of yall! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 not the meat
Social media reactions
The TikTok video, reportedly filmed in a Florida Walmart, has drawn significant attention with over 8.1 million views and countless comments.
Many viewers expressed their outrage and confusion over the need for such high security on a regular grocery item.
People are calling these measures “insane,” “unbelievable,” and “sad.”
One user said: If I see this? I am not only in the wrong store! But the wrong neighborhood.
The second user wrote: They can pay for all this ludacris packaging but can’t pay their employees living wages.
The third user added: What happened to America? I’m a Canadian and I still don’t lock my door. Nobody steals nothing. I think you guys have lost your way.
The fourth user said: Walmart has the worst meat.
Another user said: Is this recent because WE still boycotting Walmart and Target
Someone added: They gotta know the boosters don’t care bout them wires when they can go to the hardware dept to cut it off lol.
Rising shoplifting rates across retail chains
Caging items to prevent theft is becoming a common practice at various retail chains.
Stores like Target, CVS, and Walgreens have adopted similar strategies.
In recent years, major retailers have been testing new security measures, such as locked display cases and electronic tags, in response to rising shoplifting rates.
These measures are not without criticism. Many shoppers find them inconvenient, and some store executives have noted that these tactics can negatively impact sales.
For instance, stores in New York City have even locked up inexpensive items like Spam in anti-theft cases, raising questions about the balance between security and customer service.
Walmart has not yet responded to inquiries about its new security measures.
However, Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth has previously admitted that anti-theft practices hurt sales.
During an earnings call, he explained, “When you lock things up…you don’t sell as many of them. We’ve kind of proven that pretty conclusively.”