‘Never stolen,’ shopper cries after ‘upsetting’ anti-theft measure stopped her from physically leaving grocery store

A SHOPPER admitted she felt embarrassed and upset after being subject to anti-theft measures while at the grocery store.

Major retailers and small chains have rolled out a raft of measures to combat the scourge that is shoplifting.

Such measures include shopping carts that have locking features, as well as receipt checks.

A woman, from Canada, was furious after her cart locked and was asked to show her receipt after leaving an Atlantic Superstore location, per CTV News.

Shoppers are stopped in their tracks as the buggy is automatically immobilized.

The shopper said she quizzed the customer service team on why she needed to show proof that she had bought her items.

“I have shopped here for many, many, many years,” she told the network.

“I’m 56 years old. I have never stolen a thing in my life.”

The shopper said she was upset by the ordeal.

The U.S. Sun has approached Loblaw Companies, the parent owner of Atlantic Superstore, for comment.

Loblaws recently hit the headlines after it was reported the grocer was trialing new receipt scanners.

Gates would open after shoppers scanned their barcodes.

A spokesperson told The U.S. Sun the technology has been trialed as part of efforts to combat theft.

But the gates have not been welcomed by all shoppers.

Some have claimed they feel like a thief while others said the measure has since created more chaos.

Jonathan Hayes claimed elderly shoppers pushed their carts through a closed gate, per CBC.

Shoppers lashed out at Loblaws as they claimed the measure isn’t customer-friendly.

Using technology to combat theft is just one approach adopted by retailers in the US and Canada.

Walmart has rolled out a plethora of strategies designed to combat theft.

But the retailer’s tactics have not received widespread praise.

Cosmetics and bathroom items are among the products that have been locked up in cabinets or behind plexiglass.

Furious Walmart customers claimed the measures have made shopping impossible.

The renowned supermarket chain has even been branded crazy thanks to its anti-theft approach.

The crackdown has even prompted some shoppers to joke about the next items to be locked in cabinets.

Target shoppers have lashed out at the retailer over its anti-theft crackdown.

Toys have also been stored away, sparking fury among some shoppers.

One Target shopper said he was considering using online retailers to buy items thanks to the anti-theft measure.

And high profile figures within the company have also come under fire.

Target permanently closed stores in California, New York, and Oregon last October and crime was to blame.

Brian Cornell, the chain’s CEO, left some shoppers baffled after he claimed customers thanked him for locking up items.

He told CNBC customers are happy that their favorite brands are in stock.