Sainsbury’s patrons were left confused after discovering one unexpected product now comes with a security tag.
Regulars popping in for their meal deals at the supermarket chain might have been surprised to find Red Bull cans secured with anti-theft devices.
The sight sparked debate among members of the Facebook group Dull Men’s Club after a bewildered customer’s posted a photo of the protected energy drinks.
Their post read: “Today was an odd one. I went into Sainsburys to grab a Red Bull and found it equipped with anti theft caps! Nothing screams high value target like an energy drink. Curious to see if they’ll start locking up our tea bags next.”
The odd move has social media users scratching their heads over the stringent security.
One user took inspiration from the brand’s slogan, writing: “They were growing wings and flying off the shelves.”
Another commenter suggested the intention of security tags is to deter youngsters from nicking the drinks, remarking: “It will be kids stealing them because they’re not allowed to buy them any more.”
Echoing this sentiment, one person posted: “Kids will nick them, energy drinks is their water/coffee.” Meanwhile another agreed: “You have no idea how many people walk the aisles, chug 2/3 of a can and then hide it somewhere. It eventually gets knocked over and causes a sticky mess. Stores do what they have to do and I don’t blame them.”
Another even referred to the store as “Insanesbury’s”. Meanwhile some joked about punching a hole in the can to enjoy a sip without having to deal with the tag.
Meanwhile another person remarked: “They’re addictive and cost way too much for what they are which leads people to want to shoplift them. Luckily, I drank one small can of this half my life ago and it was enough to put me off for life.”
Meanwhile, another commenter provided a different perspective on the tagging, linking it to age restrictions for purchasing such products.
They explained: “In the UK there is a challenge 25,” adding, “Meaning they will ask for ID if you look under 25. Energy drinks in the UK can only be bought if you are over 16 and alcohol over 18.”
It’s not just Sainsbury’s that’s taking these measures; other customers have noticed similar practices at different supermarkets. A revelation came from one who said: “My local Aldi has been doing this for a while now. On coke zero too.”
