Tesco shoppers floored after learning true function of 'plastic covers' on items - The Mirror

Tesco shoppers floored after learning true function of 'plastic covers' on itemsTesco shoppers have been left floored after learning what the "plastic covers" are on certain items in store.

Some people didn't realise what they actually doCommentsNewsKatie-Ann Gupwell Acting Content Editor09:45, 04 Jun 2025Updated 09:45, 04 Jun 2025Tesco shoppers have been left floored by the

discovery (stock image)(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images) Us Brits are known to enjoy a trip to the supermarket to pick up essentials and browse the aisles, however; Tesco shoppers have

recently been left floored after learning the function of "plastic covers" which surround items in stores.

While many of us are in tune with what our local supermarket looks like, it seems some things simply pass us by, with some shoppers being left stunned to learn the little covers actually

have an important use. The topic recently came up on Reddit, when a user posted: "Can someone please explain what the purpose of these sliding plastic panels are? I came across them in a

Tesco Metro. Thanks!"

‌ In the picture, you'll see a shelf full of cleaning products that all have the "sliding panels" surrounding them. Even though they've been around for a while, it turns out some shoppers

didn't actually know they serve an important purpose.

‌ One person replied offering an opinion, writing: "It's called invisishield I think. We recently installed them in my Express in Cardiff because they help deal with shoplifters. That being

said, they also make life a lot harder for customers and colleagues."

Another wrote: "Makes it more difficult for shoplifters so it takes them longer and gives people time to catch on to what they're doing."

Article continues below A third replied: "Makes it more difficult for shoplifters to empty the products off the shelf, and easier to watch on CCTV."

Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: "It’s a delaying tactic, makes thieves think twice, as it’s harder to steal in large quantities quickly with these. But of course it’ll never stop a

determined thief."

It turns out these people are right as, earlier this year, it was reported Tesco had installed the "shields" to try and prevent shoplifters from stealing. They were introduced after the

Office for National Statistics found shoplifting offences spiked by a staggering 23 per cent to 492,914 offences last year compared to the previous year.

‌ This was said to be the highest figure since current police recording practices began in 2003. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, user CrimeLdn revealed how the chocolate aisle in a

Tesco store in London looked different to how people may remember it.

This was because each item was protected by a plastic shield that could slide to the left or right. "Tesco's new security devices. Will it work?" they captioned the video.

After a video showcasing the new devices went viral, Tesco confirmed the devices have been placed on supermarket shelves in a selected number of stores as part of a trial. The company did

not confirm which ones and how long the trial is set to last.

‌ Despite this, many people have reported they've seen them, with people's opinions on them appearing very torn. One person said: "Funnily enough they recently installed them in my large

Express in Cardiff as well - they've made our household aisle very hard to rumble at night now.

"We can't bring things comepletely forward any more because otherwise you can't slide them. You're supposed to be able to push them up to fill easier, but it's just made it more of a hassle

to fill. Household has gone from one of the favourite aisles to work to the least favourite in the span of a week."

Someone else chimed in with: "We have these in my store. The shoplifters don’t care - they just rip the whole unit off."

Article continues below Another wrote: "Unfortunately it makes life harder for all the honest people in the world, but once again a small minority are so selfish they have to ruin it for

everyone else!" One more also added: "Maybe Argos actually had the right idea all along."