PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Days after informing employees they would be randomly searched, Shaw’s supermarkets has decided to call off the initiative.

Shaw’s employees last Monday were informed by a letter from management that the New England chain would begin searching employees’ handbags, backpacks, bags and lockers because company products were being stolen at a high rate.

Companywide losses from theft, error and spoilage were $42 million last year.

On Friday, Shaw’s President and Chief Executive Officer Ross McLaren said the letter should never have been sent and the company had given no go-ahead for such a policy to be enacted. He added he didn’t learn of the letter until Thursday.

“I deeply regret that through this unfortunate error we, in any way, called into question the integrity and honesty of our valued associates. Nothing could be further from the truth,” read the letter, which was posted at Shaw’s stores throughout the region.