Greggs makes huge change to UK stores to tackle major problem

Greggs has started putting sandwiches and bottled drinks behind counters in some stores to stop shoplifters. These items are normally found at the front of shops in self-service fridges.

But reports suggest has been forced to move them behind counters in at least five branches to deter thieves. One of these includes Greggs in Whitechapel, East London.

One worker told the Sun: “The stealing before was so bad. I couldn’t put a number on how many thieves came in every day.” Other shops are said to have had screens installed at the counter or have introduced full-time security guards.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

Greggs told the paper: “This is one of a number of initiatives we are trialling across a handful of shops which are exposed to higher levels of anti-social behaviour. Safety of our colleagues and customers remains our number one priority.”

It comes after an investigation by the Sun found thieves were targeting some Greggs shops every 20 minutes. The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed a total of 516,971 shoplifting offences were logged by forces in 2024, up 20% from 429,873 in 2023.

Greggs has more than 2,600 shops across the UK. In better news, Greggs has just released its summer menu - including a new bake. The new Red Pepper, Feta & Spinach Bake has just landed on shelves, alongside new Korean chicken menu items.

This includes the Korean Crispy Chicken Burger and Korean BBQ Chicken Wrap, plus the Korean BBQ Chicken Flatbread and Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Baguette.

Those looking for a veggie option can try the new Cheese and Onion Roll. Other additions include a focaccia style Chicken, Sweetcorn & Red Onion Pizza, which is available by the slice, or in boxes of four of six slices.

Meanwhile, Greggs is set to open seven new discount outlet stores this year. sells surplus food including sausage rolls and bakes at super cheap prices.

You can typically find discounts of up to 75% off - so for example, a four-pack of sausage rolls costs £1.85 in Outlet, which is 46p a sausage roll. You would normally pay around £4.35 for a four-pack of sausage rolls in a regular Greggs store.

Greggs has 38 outlet stores. The sausage roll chain originally wanted to increase this number to 50 in 2025, but it is now aiming for 45 stores. Greggs has not revealed the locations for its new Greggs Outlet stores.