Coventry storekeeper who is sick of shoplifters padlocks his fridges

A convenience store boss is taking unusual measures after shoplifters cost him stock worth £12,000.

Paul Cheema, from Tile Hill in Coventry, has taken to padlocking fridges in the store and is worried the move - which he says is necessary - may simply drive thieves from chilled goods to others in different aisles.

Shoplifting-related losses at convenience stores tripled last year and hit a record high, according to the industry.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) suggests a total of £131m, based on estimates from 7,123 shops in England, Scotland and Wales.