Co-op’s MD challenges claims linking profiteering to rising shoplifting.
- The conglomerate has faced nearly 1,000 crime incidents daily in 2023.
- Comments defending shoplifting as a non-crime face strong rebuttal.
- Security measures, like locking baby formula, are in response to organised crime.
- Calls for police intervention as stricter laws are anticipated in a new bill.
Co-op’s Managing Director, Matt Hood, has addressed claims that profiteering is being used as a justification for escalating shoplifting incidents. With the convenience retailer experiencing over 175,000 recorded cases of crime, shoplifting, and antisocial behaviour in the first half of 2023 alone, Hood’s comments follow public concern suggesting supermarkets might be gaining unfairly amid rising food prices, according to The Telegraph.
Hood expressed disappointment towards individuals defending shoplifting, stating, ‘What drives me insane is the amount of people who want to claim it is victimless. Tell me, if that was your child working in that shop, would you say it is a victimless crime because it is fundamentally not.’ This statement illustrates his stance on defending retail workers who face the consequences of such crimes.
The idea that the cost-of-living crisis is solely responsible for the increase in theft has been refuted by Hood, who argues that organised crime plays a significant role. He attributes the necessity of unusual security measures, such as securing baby formula, to the reality that products are being repurposed for illicit drug activities.
The British Retail Consortium reported approximately eight million shoplifting incidents over a year, but only a fraction resulted in charges. Hood has called for more significant police involvement as Co-op has already invested over £200 million in safety measures, significantly exceeding typical industry expenditure.
Amidst the ongoing challenges, there is a move towards implementing stricter penalties for crimes like shoplifting through a forthcoming crime and justice bill. This legislative change aims to ensure more custodial sentences are applied, addressing the issue more assertively.
In conclusion, Co-op’s stance highlights the complexity of shoplifting issues and the need for collective action from businesses and law enforcement.
