A Tesco store on Lewis is having hundreds of shopping baskets stolen with the 5p levy for plastic carrier bags thought to be responsible.
The supermarket in Stornoway has run out of baskets after a surge in thefts.
Staff posted a notice on social media saying: “We are very sorry to say that we are unable to provide our customers with shopping baskets due to them being taken from the store.
“We are losing approx 15 baskets a week due to theft.”
If it happens regularly the amount adds up to 780 baskets disappearing over a year.
A spokesman for the shop said: “We have more baskets on order but they take six weeks to arrive.”
The shop has also launched an amnesty, pleading with islanders to return baskets they have taken home.
The notice said: “If anyone has a basket, can you please return them to the store. No questions asked on return.”
A Tesco spokesman said: “The overwhelming majority of customers diligently return their baskets after shopping.
“To make sure we can offer everyone a basket, we’ve ordered extra, but as we wait for them to arrive, we’ve asked the community to help by returning any they may have.”
Island residents posted on social media the baskets were being stolen by people peeved at having to pay for a carrier bag.
One shopper pointed out: “I’ve seen people just sticking them in the boot and going instead of buying a bag.”
An islander said the baskets were: “Cheaper than a bag.”
A local resident said: “It seems to be since the introduction of charging for carrier bags.