THE Co-op store in Studley has stepped up security following a spate of thefts.
A security guard is now on duty at the supermarket after several cases of brazen thieves simply picking up items and walking out with them.
When challenged, there have been incidents of staff being threatened by the perpetrators.
In response the store, in line with others, is increasing security.
A Co-op spokesperson said: “Safety and security is of the utmost importance and we work closely with the police and other crime prevention bodies to regularly review and, implement, a range of security measures which are shown to both deter criminal activity and increase the likelihood of convictions.”
The action comes as shoplifters increasingly target the Aldi, Tesco and Co-op supermarkets in Studley which, on the A435 Alcester Road, offer a fast getaway to the main trunk routes.
Last Wednesday (February 1) a man with a black rucsac entered a supermarket there and stole two bottles of alcohol, hiding them inside his hoodie top.
He was challenged by staff but managed to break free and make good his escape.
Two days earlier at 7.25pm on Monday (January 30) a man stole three bottles of alcohol, again from an Alcester Road supermarket.
The man, who arrived by bicycle, picked up a basket but then put three bottles of drink in his back pack and a couple of bottles in his basket.
He then went to the tills but said he needed money from the cashpoint and left the store with the stolen goods in the back pack.
He then jumped over a wall and fled leaving his push bike behind.
He is was white, bald, and wearing an orange hi-vis jacket.
Anyone with any information on these cases should ring 101 and quote 0357 30/01/2017 for the theft on January 30 and 0328 01/02/2017 for the theft on February 1.
