Walgreens’ strategy of locking up merchandise — from deodorants to bags of M&M’s — to deter theft has backfired, according to CEO Tim Wentworth. “It is a hand-to-hand combat battle still, unfortunately,

The CEO of Walgreens suggested that placing their products under lock and key may have actually backfired. "When you lock things up … you don't sell as many of them," he said. Walgreens’ plan to combat increasing theft by locking products up at their stores has hurt sales,

Some retailers, like Walgreens, report that locking items behind displays to deter shoplifting may not be effective. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth recently described theft prevention in stores as an ongoing and challenging struggle.