A new shoplifting trick has emerged in UK supermarkets, where thieves swap premium eggs into cheaper boxes to avoid paying the higher price. Anita Wong, 53, from Ealing, discovered the scam after buying a £4.50 ten-pack of Clarence Court eggs from Waitrose. Upon opening, she found the premium eggs had been replaced with standard British variety eggs.
Wong's daughter noticed the eggs lacked the distinctive Clarence Court crown logo and were smaller. Checking the serial numbers online confirmed they were standard eggs. Wong shared her experience on Instagram, warning shoppers to inspect egg boxes before purchase. A Waitrose staff member told her the swap was not uncommon.
The trick exploits the price difference: a six-pack of Waitrose Essential free-range white eggs costs £1.50, while Clarence Court eggs cost up to £4.55. This comes amid 'egg-flation', with high prices driven by bird flu outbreaks. Similar swapping occurred in 2024, raising concerns that products may need more secure packaging.
Retail crime is surging, with thefts occurring almost every minute. The Met Police reported a 165% rise in shoplifting offences between 2021 and 2024, reaching 90,000. Nationally, over 800 daily cases are shelved due to lack of suspects. The annual cost to retailers is £1.8 billion, prompting Labour to pledge action against the 'epidemic'.
Instagram users recounted witnessing similar swaps in Asda and Sainsbury's. One shopper reported a thief to security, who intercepted the culprit at checkout. The Association of Convenience Stores noted such scams are common, likening them to scanning cheap items for expensive goods.
