Asda is considering vending machines for high-theft items like razor blades

04:49, Tue, May 5, 2026 Updated: 04:50, Tue, May 5, 2026

A customer pushes a shopping trolley outside an Asda supermarket (file image)

A customer pushes a shopping trolley outside an Asda supermarket (file image) (Image: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

A leading budget supermarket chain in the UK is weighing up the introduction of vending machines to secure high-theft products on its shop floors.

Asda is considering introducing vending machines for items such as razor blades in a bid to tackle a surge in shoplifting. It is understood the proposal would build upon a trial already under way at the retailer's Ashton-under-Lyne store in Greater Manchester, where similar machines are currently in use for products including vapes and cigarettes.

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Under the system, shoppers would select an item via a touchscreen and receive a ticket to present at the checkout for payment.

Once the transaction is completed, the customer would be handed a second ticket to activate the vending machine and release the product.

While company officials have held discussions about extending the scheme to other high-risk goods, no firm decisions have yet been taken, according to Retail Customer Experience.

Front exterior view of the entrance to the ASDA superstore at Coryton on the outskirts of Cardiff

Cardiff, Wales - 8 July 2025: Front exterior view of the entrance to the ASDA superstore at Coryton on the outskirts of Cardiff (Image: Ceri Breeze via Getty Images)

It is understood that a broader rollout is not expected in the near term as the trial continues.

Retailers across the country have been pouring significant investment into loss-prevention measures.

According to figures from the British Retail Consortium, 5.5 million shoplifting incidents were recorded across the country last year. This cost about $542 million, though the true figure is likely to be considerably higher owing to widespread under-reporting.

Supermarkets have spent in excess of $6.77 billion on security improvements over the past five years.

These upgrades have encompassed expanded CCTV networks and increased numbers of in-store security staff.

Asda supermarket chain in London, England, United Kingdom (file image)

Asda supermarket chain in London, England, United Kingdom (file image) (Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)

Popular bakery chain Greggs has introduced a significant overhaul to a number of its outlets in a bid to combat shoplifting.

The high street favourite has relocated self-service fridges and shelves behind the counter in a sweeping shake-up at selected locations in order to deter thieves.

As a result, customers in high-risk areas will no longer be able to help themselves to a sandwich or a drink before heading to the till. Instead, staff will retrieve items from behind the counter, which will only be accessible to employees.