A Walmart store in San Jose, California, has reportedly implemented a drastic anti-theft measure by placing high-priced cuts of meat and even ground beef inside locked metal security cages. This action comes as a response to a rise in shoplifting incidents, a trend that has previously led to other retail items like spray paint and eye drops being secured.

An influencer known online as “Meatdad” posted a video from inside the California store showcasing rib-eye steaks and ground beef secured with wire security devices. In the video, a cowboy rib-eye, priced at approximately $16 per pound, was visible within a cage. A three-pound package of ground beef was also seen locked in a similar cage.

The influencer, Tony Bartleson, expressed his dismay in a statement, noting, “Seeing basic food items locked behind cages is sad.” He added, “My hope is that we can get to a point where measures like this aren’t necessary anymore—where people don’t have to steal just to eat, stores don’t have to lock up food, and everyone has reliable access to the necessities they need.”

The display of locked meat has sparked significant online discussion. Many shoppers voiced understanding for the retailer's decision, citing the need to protect merchandise from theft. "With people stealing what they haven’t paid for, I don’t blame Walmart for doing this. If you’re an honest person who plans to pay for it, why would this bother you… bruh," one commenter wrote.

Another user stated, "I don’t have a problem with any company protecting its merchandise from thieves. But it seems like people have more sympathy for thieves. When this stuff is constantly stolen, that drives prices up." Others suggested the measures are a direct result of rising prices contributing to increased theft.

This is not the first time such security measures have been observed. A similar video circulated last year showing meat products locked in cages at a Walmart. It remains unclear if this security protocol is a store-specific decision or part of a broader policy across Walmart locations in California.