Dunelm locks up duvet covers to stop thieves during cost of living crisis

05 September 2023 , 13:24

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Dunelm says the measure is in place in half of its 177 UK stores (Image: Andrew Teebay/Liverpool Echo)

Dunelm has started to lock duvets and pillowcases in pin-protected cabinets in a bid to try and combat shoplifting.

The home furnishings retailer has begun displaying its more expensive bedding in giant glass cupboards with keypads and if customers would like to purchase or view an item they need to ask a member of staff to open it for them. Dunelm has confirmed that the measures have been put in place in half of its 177 UK stores reports the Sun.

The bedding that appears to be affected by the measure is the Dorma bedding range. This is considered a high end range with prices starting from £16 for a set of pillowcases, rising to £230 for luxury duvets.

Retailers and supermarket chains have reported seeing a rise in shoplifting over the last year due to the cost of living crisis. The Office of National Statistics also reported a 24% rise in shoplifting offences in England and Wales over the past year. Due to this many, shops and business have upped their security measures in their stores.

What security measures have you seen in stores? Email us: [email protected]

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In the recent year, Sainsbury's introduced gates at their self-service tills in their stores. Some of these gates required customers to scan their receipts in order to leave and if customers want to leave without buying anything they need to ask a security guard. Morrisons has also introduced security gates at the self service checkouts at their stores.

Another security measure introduced by Tesco Express stores is a "Door Access System". This is where shoppers can’t enter the store until a staff member lets them in. The supermarket chain says the Door Access System allows workers to control access into stores during quieter periods of trade or at any time to help them feel safe. Tesco said this tended to be later in the evening and at night.

Back in June, the shoewear store Office faced backlash after shoppers claimed they were only allowed to try on one shoe at a time in their stores to prevent shoplifting. The retailer however confirmed that this was not a nationwide store policy although a “few stores that periodically follow this procedure by exception”. It then instructed all stores to immediately cease the practice.

The Mirror has approached Dunelm for comment.

Ruby Flanagan