Helsinki Supermarket Protects Pistachios with Anti-Theft Devices

A Lidl store in Helsinki's Meilahti district has started protecting pistachio nuts with security tags. The anti-theft devices now appear on 250-gram bags of shelled pistachios. Store employees say thieves specifically target pistachios over other nuts. Each bag costs €4.65, making the price per kilogram €18.50. Only the larger pistachio bags received security protection in the store. Other nut varieties remained without any anti-theft measures. The retail chain explained that thieves often steal small but valuable items. High-value products like cheese, meat, fish, chocolate and nuts remain popular targets. Anti-theft device usage has expanded rapidly in Finnish grocery stores. Stores now protect much cheaper products than before. Some locations secure sausage packages under €3 and even individual toothpaste tubes. Helsinki's alcohol stores also combat theft with new methods. The Vuorimiehenkatu store removed bottles from shelves completely. Customers now see paper cutouts of wine bottles instead. Staff retrieve actual bottles upon request. That location experienced weekly thefts before the change. Retail theft prevention continues evolving as stores test new approaches.