Tesco trials touchscreen-activated security cabinets for alcohol in Welsh stores amid theft fears.

Tesco shoppers in Wales are facing a fresh hurdle when picking up their favourite tipple. The supermarket giant has quietly rolled out new security technology that requires customers to tap a touchscreen and wait for a countdown before they can access alcohol behind glass doors.

The high-tech move is part of a broader crackdown on theft in stores across the country. In Tesco’s Fforestfach branch in Swansea, eagle-eyed customers spotted the change and quickly shared their confusion. “You have to press a button,” said one shopper. “Then there’s a countdown, and it tells you the cabinet door will open. It’s a bit odd.”

The glass cabinets now encasing wine and spirits aren’t just a visual deterrent. Behind the clear doors, some bottles remain further protected by wire netting or security tags. Once a customer presses the on-screen arrow, a voice informs them that their request is being processed: “Thank you for your patience. The cabinet door will open shortly. Thank you for shopping with Tesco.”

Tesco says the system is designed to deter opportunistic theft. Although no official statement has been released, shoppers have speculated that the brief delay allows security staff or CCTV operators to monitor anyone attempting to open the cabinet, reducing the risk of someone simply swiping a bottle and walking off. “Maybe it gives security time to watch who’s opening it,” another customer mused. “It wouldn’t stop someone determined, but it adds a layer of friction.”

This isn’t the first time Tesco has ramped up in-store security. In recent months, the supermarket has locked away makeup products overnight, added security tags to items priced over £10, and even introduced wire cages for certain high-value goods. The company, like many UK retailers, is grappling with a surge in shoplifting, which industry insiders say has risen sharply due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Tesco is not alone. Other retailers including Sainsbury’s and Asda have also begun experimenting with heightened anti-theft measures, from body cameras for staff to AI-powered CCTV monitoring. But Tesco’s latest move marks a noticeable shift towards automated deterrents that don’t require constant staff intervention.

Reactions online have been mixed. Some shoppers appreciate the added security, especially in areas where theft is a known problem. Others feel it disrupts the shopping experience. “It’s annoying,” one said. “If I just want to quickly grab a bottle of wine after work, now I have to wait and listen to a robot voice.”

Despite the frustration, most agree that something had to be done. Retail theft has been steadily rising, and alcohol remains one of the most commonly targeted items due to its high resale value and lack of traceability.

Whether Tesco’s touchscreen access system will be rolled out nationwide remains to be seen. For now, it appears limited to select stores in Wales, acting as a trial run for what could become a familiar part of the British shopping landscape.

One shopper summed it up best: “It’s a sign of the times. We’re all paying for the actions of a few.