Coles trials anti-theft security tags on meat in some stores

Keen-eyed Coles shoppers may have spotted something different on the shelves, as the supermarket trials a new anti-shoplifting measure at some stores.

One Reddit user posted a photo in the r/Melbourne thread showing security tags attached to steaks in their local Coles meat aisle.

Such tags generally trigger alarms if they are taken outside the store.

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The tags have to be removed by a staff member, but the affected items can still be taken through self-checkout lanes.

"It's important to note that the majority of customers do the right thing in store," a Coles spokesperson told 9news.com.au.

"Measures like this are for the ones who don't."

The spokesperson said the tags shown in the Reddit post were part of a "very small trial" in 10 Victorian stores.

"We are always reassessing and trying new security measures, and are keen to hear local feedback on the trial," they said.