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,

Walgreens’ plan to combat increasing theft by locking products up at their stores has hurt sales, the company’s CEO said in a recent earnings call.

Many retail stores across the Bay Area have turned to locking up commonly stolen items to prevent against shoplifting. But there is a downside to that tactic, Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth said. “When you lock things up,

In an earnings call, executive Tim Wentworth conceded that locking products up might not be the best move for boosting sales.

The top executive at Walgreens lamented the loss of sales from putting items like toothpaste behind lock and key to crack down on rampant shoplifting that has plagued pharmacy chains around the country.