The UK’s largest forecourt operator has drastically cut shoplifting rates after trialling a new security system at two of its forecourts. MFG installed the Chirp Protect Edge system at its sites in Loxford, East London, and Halifax, West Yorks, with both shops reporting a 60% reduction in theft incidents as a result.
The system sees retailers attach tamper-proof electronic tags to high-value items. Unlike traditional systems, which see security gates sound an alarm if a tagged item is taken through them, Edge tags contain a sounder themselves, meaning staff can tell where thieves are when they try to remove a tag.
Conversely, if the tag is not removed, it will continue to sound when shoplifters leave the store’s perimeter. The system can also link with staff headsets and store CCTV to provide instant alerts.
MFG’s managing director of operations, Matthew Bird, called the Chirp system “outstanding”, said it had proven “robust and effective”, and that store managers speak “extremely highly of the solution”. He added that the firm is “now taking this to the MFG contract manager community”.
Chirp Protect’s chief commercial officer, Alex Ledsham, described the MFG trial as “a huge milestone” that demonstrates his firm’s system “can deliver rapid, measurable results, giving retailers confidence and staff peace of mind”.
Official data from the Office for National Statistics indicates there were 530,643 shoplifting incidents between March 2024 and 2025, but retailers often indicate that a lack of police action often sees them not bother reporting the crime, with the Association of Convenience Stores estimating shops experienced 6.2m thefts over the same period.
