Will Montana Be Next for Walmart’s Meat Security?

Well, people, it’s finally happened. Walmart has begun locking up the meat. Not here in Montana. Well, at least not yet, anyway. But if you are traveling out of state anytime soon, don’t be shocked if your ribeye comes with a security tag like something out of the electronics department or shaving razors.

I was reading an article in the New York Post about how shoppers in cities, including New York, are spotting steaks behind plastic cases and pork chops with full-on security alarms. One dude grabbed a roast and triggered a buzzer loud enough to make a coyote turn and run.

I can’t say I blame Walmart. Each week find myself scrolling past some video of someone shoving a brisket down their pants or attempting to slide a family pack of chicken thighs into a hoodie as if it’s some prank gone wrong.

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No Montana Walmarts have thus far been converted to Meat Jail. But let’s not think it won't be coming soon. If it’s happening in the city, it’s probably heading our way. With prices still volatile and theft surging, the only thing that may not be getting locked up is the shoplifter.

Most Montanans believe asking for “assistance in the meat department” is when you call your friends to help pack out an elk. But if Missoula or Billings receives those alarm tags, you’ll hear about it on Facebook long before you read about it here. Likely sandwiched between a meatloaf post and one person vowing never to step foot in a self-checkout line ever again.