WH Smith axes “honesty boxes” after continued misuse

Photograph by Scott

“Honesty boxes”, where customers are trusted to pay for their newspaper without queueing for the checkout, are to be removed from a number of WH Smith newsagents after continued misuse by customers.

The scheme was originally heralded as a time-saver for commuters and those rushing to catch a train, but continued abuse of the trust will now see many of the boxes removed.

The company has said that a third of their newsagents will be removing the boxes after customers “paid” for their newspapers with foreign coins, scrap receipts, and chewing gum.

Now WH Smith are looking to start a fresh trial of the service, with the boxes placed where staff can more closely monitor how customers are using them according to The Independent.