The Co-op is facing unprecedented levels of retail crime, prompting a call to action.
- Co-op’s managing director emphasises the urgency of police intervention in the escalating situation.
- Retail crime has surged by 35% this year, with incidents reaching nearly 1,000 daily.
- There is a significant rise in violence against store workers, marking a concerning trend.
- Substantial investments in safety by Co-op require complementary police efforts to be effective.
The Co-op is grappling with an alarming increase in retail crime, urging immediate intervention from law enforcement. As managing director Matt Hood points out, the frequency and severity of incidents have reached unprecedented levels, necessitating a cohesive response from the police to curb this trend.
Retail crime in Co-op stores has surged by 35% compared to the previous year. The first half of 2023 alone saw more than 175,000 reported incidents, averaging nearly 1,000 daily. This rise poses a substantial threat not only to the business but also to the safety and security of staff and customers.
The impact on Co-op employees has been profound, with reports of physical assaults increasing by 30% and instances of verbal abuse and anti-social behaviour up by 20%. Such conditions are unacceptable and highlight the urgent need for law enforcement collaboration to ensure a safer retail environment.
In response to these challenges, Co-op has made significant investments exceeding £200 million in safety measures. These efforts include the provision of body-worn cameras, communication headsets, and scaling down the display of high-value items to mitigate risk. However, these measures require effective police engagement to be truly successful.
Despite these precautions, a Freedom of Information request revealed that police did not respond to 71% of serious crimes reported by the Co-op. Hood’s remarks underscore the necessity for police to respond more effectively to such high-volume criminal activity, stressing that continued inaction could render some communities unsafe for local stores.
Efficient police intervention is crucial to reversing the escalating trend of retail crime impacting both businesses and communities.
