Co-op’s food chief underlines the severe impact of shoplifting on staff well-being, surpassing financial losses.
- Reports from Co-op indicate a substantial £39 million loss due to shoplifting, marking a 19% increase from last year.
- Despite significant financial investments to deter theft, incidents of crime, violence, and abuse have escalated by 44% within their stores.
- The retailer’s commitment to maintaining recruitment levels remains unaffected by the uptick in retail crime across the UK.
- Co-op’s security investments aim to safeguard employees and build a secure shopping environment.
The head of Co-op’s food division emphasised the critical concern of shoplifting impacting the well-being of their staff over the financial implications. The loss recorded was approximately £39 million, a 19% increase from last year, signalling a troubling rise in retail crime. Despite these figures, the focus remains on the employees’ physical and mental health who confront these challenges daily. “It just fundamentally shouldn’t be part of their job,” noted the executive.
Security measures have become a priority for Co-op, with annual expenditures reaching £27 million on security personnel alone. Additionally, over £5 million is allocated for reinforcing kiosks, while £3 million is dedicated to advanced surveillance technologies like CCTV and AI to enhance in-store safety.
Despite the significant rise in retail crime, now at a 20-year peak, Co-op maintains robust recruitment levels. Paul Gerrard stated to the House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee, “We are a business that people want to be part of.” This highlights that the current crime wave has yet to deter prospective employees.
Alarmingly, crime and abuse incidents in Co-op stores have surged, with a reported increase of 44% overall and 35% in violence and abuse cases. This concerning trend underscores the urgency for effective preventative strategies to protect their workforce.
Through substantial investment and strategic initiatives, Co-op aims to reinforce security measures and provide a safer environment for both staff and customers, reflecting its commitment to addressing these unprecedented challenges.
The escalating retail crime presents a daunting challenge, yet Co-op remains steadfast in safeguarding its staff and ensuring operational stability.
