Security guards to control crowds and prevent egg-nappers

CHOCOLATE shops are cracking down on swarms of sweet tooths by increasing store security.

Last-minute Easter egg hunters, desperate for a taste of all things dark and sweet, are storming stores across the city.

Some upmarket stores have been so busy that they are using security guards to control crowds and prevent cocoa criminals.

Others are opting for extra cash drops.

Lunchtime shoppers were seen squeezing into city stores to pick up their Easter egg orders on Thursday.

A spokeswoman from renowned chocolatier Haigh's Chocolates said they had several security guards on duty to deal with theft and to control traffic.

"I think in retail there's always a concern about busier times and the security guards are there to help us prevent theft," she said.

Koko Black in the Royal Arcade has plenty to guard with a $130 chocolate egg for sale. Its city store is also taking extra security steps.

"We are doing extra cash drops," a store spokeswoman said.

She said a security guard was on hand from the Royal Arcade to control the crowd if necessary.