how to remove store security tag

Shoppers share hacks of how to get security tags off online shopping at home

People are reporting more and more cases where their online shopping is arriving with anti-shoplifting tags still attached. This is how they're getting them off at home

"You could leave it on and wait until they're in fashion..." (

Image: MirrorPix)

Security tags keep being left on online shopping and Brits have been sharing hacks of how to get them off at home.

Anti-shoplifting tags are designed to be as hard as possible to remove to deter thieves in store - which can become an issue when they're not removed before your online shopping is delivered.

It can easily happen as in-store shoppers pick items for delivery from the back of the store without ever passing through the security gates.

Everything from DVDs to clothes and even bottles of spirits have been dropped off with tags still attached and with many shops closed until at least Monday, people have been taking matters into their own hands.

So when Martin Lewis tweeted an example of a pair of jeans with the tag still on, people rushed to say it had happened to them too.

One replied: "We did a click and collect Asda shop from Bilton, got home and the security tag was still on a bottle of Jack Daniels!"

Another added: "Morrisons online grocery shopping have twice recently sent me whisky with the tag still on the bottle. I think the pickers forget that there are tags on and what they pick by-passes the usual security measures."

Any security tags this time? (

Image:

Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Others have been left embarrassed at weddings.

Helen tweeted: "My husband discovered the tag in his suit jacket on the way to a wedding- had to carry the jacket over his arm until after the service and remove it with a spanner in the car park."

And it turns out Helen's husband wasn't alone, with Michelle Tweeting: "On my wedding day, my brother in law attended with tags on his suit - he went Burtons before the wedding they refused to remove the tags as his receipt was at home in Plymouth the wedding was in Shrewsbury."

Victoria tweeted: "Are we at the point where we need security detectors at our doorways to reject such deliveries?"

As many shops are currently closed, some people still shielding at home and others worried they'll be accused of theft, people have become inventive about removing the tags.

Some cleverly use two forks to separate the tag from their clothes, others suggested smashing them with hammers or using drills.

Gemma responded to her Bacardi being stoppered by passing the problem on.

"It was a present for my mum and dad's anniversary so I gave it them anyway. (Well I left it on their doorstep.) It's their problem now," she Tweeted.

Jess has a simpler answer: "Set fire to it."

Stacey suggested a different tool, tweeting: "Pliers! I had this with Matalan, on 4 items in one parcel. I contacted them and they said if I drive them to the store they would remove them. Sort of defeats the idea of paying for postage, if you have to drive to the store anyway!!"

But she had a warning too.

"Just beware that there may be ink inside the white piece."

As to the original poster? After trying pliers, he resorted to a hack saw to get the tag off.

Job done. (

Image:

MirrorPix)

But some people have managed to actually make money from the mistake.

Kirsty tweeted: "I bought a leather jacket from Frasers that was a Christmas present from my mum and sister - when I opened it on Christmas Day it still had the security tag on it.

"When I took it back it had been reduced £30 and I got a lovely top with the vouchers - result!!!"