A Norwich convenience store has put extra virgin olive oil under lock and key after a spate of thefts.  

Shoppers at the Co-op in Sprowston Road in NR3 can only get bottles of the oil - which cost up to £7.50 - once a member of staff has released them from a security case.  

Norwich Evening News: Extra virgin olive oil is the latest item to be kept under lock and key amid shoplifting boom Extra virgin olive oil is the latest item to be kept under lock and key amid shoplifting boom (Image: Submitted)READ MORE: Traffic chaos as six week roadworks begin in city

A spokesperson for Co-op, said: "Protecting the safety of our colleagues is a priority and we know shoplifting can be a flashpoint for violence against shopworkers so, whilst this is not a nationwide policy, a decision to implement product security measures at a local level will be made, if a store is experiencing a particular issue."  

READ MORE: Experts fear city is facing plague of fleas as they takeover homes

Norwich Evening News: The box instructs shoppers to take their items to the checkout to be removed The box instructs shoppers to take their items to the checkout to be removed (Image: Submitted)READ MORE: Photos of emotional kite flying memorial for Norwich wheelchair footballer

Matt Hood, Co-op Food managing director, said: ”We have seen some horrific incidents of brazen and violent theft in our stores, where my store colleagues feel scared and threatened.”