Cigarettes and certain dangerous goods are commonly out of reach in stores, but one West Auckland supermarket has more common products locked up.

Countdown in Massey has had to lock away corned beef and mayonnaise to stop them being stolen.

While the smaller cans and jars are still on the shelves, the large versions – several corned beef brands and Best Foods mayonnaise – are kept locked in a glass cabinet apart from the rest of the groceries at the supermarket.

Countdown spokesman James Walker said the selected food items were under lock and key because they had been frequently stolen.

"Our Massey store has several products that are kept secure to prevent them being stolen – this includes large cans of corned beef and large jars of mayonnaise, which go missing from our shelves more regularly than other products."

Progressive Enterprises, which is the parent company of the supermarket chain, would not comment on other frequently stolen products in supermarkets in other areas but said supermarket management worked hard to keep thefts to a minimum.

"We work across the country with police on crime prevention," Walker said.

In most supermarkets that stock council rubbish bags, the bags are stored away from the general store shelves, usually under the cashier's bench.

Stores that stock expensive wine will also often lock away the best bottles, which will be sold on request.

What unusual items are locked up at your local supermarket? Email newstips@stuff.co.nz.