In an effort to combat the pervasive issue of shoplifting that has been plaguing certain parts of California, a supermarket has taken drastic measures by implementing large metal barriers at its exits.

A Safeway store in Vallejo recently introduced metal emergency exit gates near one of its entrances, prominently displaying warnings that an alarm will activate if any attempts are made to leave the premises without proper authorization.

Furthermore, in a bid to deter thieves from pilfering, the Vallejo location has closed a second entrance, and similar actions are being taken at other store branches within the chain, the Daily Mail reported.

Some Safeway stores had already installed exit bars several months ago, with a shopper even sharing on Twitter an extreme case where closed checkout lanes were sealed off by imposing metal gates, while pathways leading out of the store were also lined with obstructions.

These heightened security measures reflect the supermarket’s desperate attempt to curb rampant shoplifting incidents.

Written by staff