Co-op: Numerous Shoplifters Released Without Charges After Detention
The food retailer disclosed that it encountered a historic surge in crime in 2023, with a total of 336,270 incidents involving shoplifting, violence, abuse, and antisocial behavior.
Despite being apprehended by undercover guards, shoplifters are walking free due to the police’s failure to show up, according to supermarket Co-op.
Co-op emphasized that the lack of police response to detaining thieves sends a message that shoplifting has no consequences, despite government efforts to combat retail crime.
While acknowledging some improvement with the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan, Co-op highlighted that in three out of five cases where shoplifters were detained, the police still did not attend.
Record-High Shoplifting
The food retailer also disclosed a record-breaking spike in shoplifting incidents in 2023, marking a 44% increase from the previous year.
Across its food stores, Co-op documented 336,270 instances of shoplifting, abuse, violence, and antisocial behavior in total, averaging 1,000 cases per day. The retailer also reported that over 100 shop workers face abuse from criminals daily.
Co-op’s Managing Director of Food Retail, Matt Hood, attributed the rise in incidents to organized criminal groups and repeat offenders.
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The retailer highlighted collaborations with various police forces in Essex, Nottinghamshire, and Sussex, resulting in the removal and monitoring of 100 persistent repeat offenders receiving a total of 30 years in custodial sentences over the past year.
To combat theft, Co-op implemented security measures such as dummy packaging, locked cases for expensive items, and secure kiosks. The retailer also invested in CCTV and equipped employees with body cameras.
Mr. Hood expressed support for the Retail Crime Action Plan but emphasized the need for its implementation in stores to ensure that frontline colleagues’ pleas to the police receive responses and that criminals face consequences for shoplifting.
Mr. Philp underscored the seriousness of retail crime and emphasized the need for comprehensive enforcement by the police, as shoplifting often involves violence or threats against retail workers.
Crime Like San Francisco
In July 2023, Mr. Philp warned MPs about the potential consequences of not addressing shoplifting seriously, drawing parallels to the rampant theft levels in San Francisco.
He characterized all forms of retail crime as unacceptable and stressed the importance of taking swift action to prevent its escalation into more serious and widespread criminal activities.
Mr. Philp cautioned against dismissing or trivializing theft, pointing out the potential for it to lead to severe consequences if left unchecked.
He highlighted the prevalence of large-scale theft incidents in San Francisco due to lax intervention by law enforcement and security personnel, leading to numerous store closures.
Mr. Philp emphasized the necessity of treating retail crime with the seriousness it deserves to prevent such escalations, drawing attention to the importance of taking a proactive stance against criminal behavior.
PA Media contributed to this report.
