As customers increasingly bring their own bags to stores in response to the levy on plastic bags that began in July, guidelines for their use are being advocated to prevent shoplifting.

Earlier this month, a Tokyo-based antishoplifting organization made a poster urging customers to use baskets provided by stores when shopping and to keep their personal bags folded until check out. It also counseled keeping bags containing products from other stores sealed.

The move followed an alleged shoplifting case on Aug. 10 in which a man was arrested at a supermarket in Tanbasasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, on suspicion of stealing instant noodles after putting them into his personal bag.