The Co-op is broadening a trial to combat shoplifting and organised crime.
- The initiative involves ‘dummy display packaging’ for high-value items like coffee.
- Shoplifting incidents have surged, with over 175,000 reported in six months.
- Director Kate Graham highlights the need for police involvement alongside retailer efforts.
- Significant investment in safety measures underscores Co-op’s commitment to community and staff.
The Co-op has announced the extension of its trial involving anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’. This strategic move aims to address the escalating issue of shoplifting and deter organised criminal activities that target its stores. By focusing on high-value items such as coffee and laundry products, the initiative requires customers to present the fake packaging at the till to receive the real product, thereby preventing theft at the point of display.
Shoplifting has reached alarming levels, as evidenced by more than 175,000 incidents recorded within the first half of 2023. In response to these challenges, the retail chain has invested over £200 million in initiatives focused on enhancing safety for both colleagues and communities. This substantial financial commitment reflects the retailer’s proactive stance in combatting the widespread issue of retail crime.
Kate Graham, Director of Operations at the Co-op, emphasises the increasing trend of brazen, violent thefts driven by repeat offenders and organised criminal gangs. She points out that these crimes often lead to confrontational situations, posing risks to store staff and calling for more robust policing to address the problem effectively. Graham stresses the necessity for law enforcement to support retailers, noting the frequent lack of response to incidents reported by store teams.
Despite the substantial efforts from the Co-op to mitigate these issues, company representatives have expressed disappointment over the public’s tendency to rationalise shoplifting, attributing it to rising food prices. This perspective has added another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by retailers in maintaining security and profitability amidst fluctuating market conditions.
The Co-op’s trial extension signifies a decisive step towards mitigating retail crime, reflecting a broader need for collaborative solutions involving both retailers and law enforcement agencies.
