Co-op Undercover Guards Catch Shoplifters, but Police Ignore 80% of Cases
Shoplifting incidents are on the rise, with a 41% increase in the first eight months of the year compared to the previous year, according to Co-op, a UK grocery chain. The company has invested in undercover security guards, including police and army veterans, to catch shoplifters. However, their efforts are often in vain as the police fail to respond to 80% of cases, leaving the perpetrators to go free.
Paul Gerrard, Co-op’s campaigns and public affairs director, expressed frustration over the lack of support from the police. He revealed that despite detaining offenders and requesting police assistance, officers seldom show up, even when presented with CCTV evidence. This situation has forced the company to release the shoplifters they catch, giving them a sense of impunity.
The rise in shoplifting incidents has not only affected Co-op’s bottom line but has also led to a 25% increase in cases of violence against staff. Gerrard emphasized that the problem extends beyond opportunistic theft, with organized gangs specifically targeting Co-op stores to steal large quantities of products. The company has reported approximately a thousand incidents of shoplifting per day across its two and a half thousand stores.
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has also noted a concerning increase in retail theft. Reported retail thefts have risen by 27% year on year in the UK’s largest cities, with some areas experiencing a staggering 68% increase. Furthermore, incidents of violence and abuse against retail staff have almost doubled from over 450 per day in 2019/2020 to over 850 last year.
Co-op is not alone in facing these challenges. The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) revealed that it is grappling with a £12 million increase in shoplifting costs, largely driven by organized crime rather than financial hardship. The company has called for legislative changes to make the abuse of shopworkers a criminal offense, similar to existing laws in Scotland.
In response to the surge in shoplifting, Lidl, a German discount supermarket chain, has announced plans to enhance store security. This includes increasing CCTV coverage and implementing more body-worn cameras in its outlets. The CEO of Lidl’s British business, Ryan McDonnell, acknowledged that the issue of shoplifting affects the entire retail industry and emphasized the importance of worker safety and security.
The rise in shoplifting and the lack of police response highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement measures. Retailers like Co-op and John Lewis are urging police forces to prioritize these cases and work collaboratively to tackle persistent offenders. The safety of retail staff and the viability of stores depend on swift and effective action to combat organized retail crime.
