18 August 2023 , 09:33
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Co-op is rolling out security measures across more stores in a move to try and help curb shoplifting.
The supermarket chain is extending its trial of anti-theft "dummy display packaging" for targeted products on its shelves. Dummy display packing is usually empty packages which are placed on the shelf instead of the actual product. Shoppers then have to bring the empty product to staff who will exchange it for the real thing.
Co-op said the packaging will be used across higher value products on its shelves frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale, in stores where there is a local issue. Products which will be impacted by the rollout include coffee; washing powder and laundry gel. The chain says it expects the practice will "continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing".
It's not just Co-op making moves like this. Other major supermarket chains have been implementing more security measures across their stores over the recent years to prevent shoplifting. Some of these measures include security tagging products, limiting products on shelves, searching customers' bags, and making shoppers scan receipts to leave the store.
Last month, Co-op revealed it had seen record levels of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour with almost 1,000 incidents each day in the six months to June. The supermarket chain says the rising levels of crime is driven by "repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addictions and, local organised criminal gangs" citing research by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS). Co-op says the level of crime is "not sustainable" and could see some communities become "no-go areas for local stores".
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Kate Graham, director of operations at Co-op, said: “Crime in many communities is increasing, and it is known that repeat and prolific offenders and, local organised criminal gangs are driving serious incidents of brazen and violent theft in stores.
"It is an ongoing challenge for all retailers, and often a flashpoint for attacks and abuse towards our colleagues. Co-op continues to invest significantly in keeping colleagues and stores safe. This includes extending our use of dummy display cases to deter the incidents of ‘bulk-shoplifting’ or, ‘looting’, as it has been described, where criminals sweep products off shelves for re-sale.
"While we are doing all we can, we also need the police to play their part as too often, Forces fail to respond to desperate calls by our store teams and criminals operate in communities without any fear of consequences.”
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Co-op says it has invested more than £200million over the last few years in security measures to "counter criminal behaviour" in its stores and the chain says its "key priority" was safety. As well as the latest dummy packaging rollout, measures it has adopted include interactive and remote-monitored CCTV; body-worn cameras; communication headsets for frontline colleagues; covert and non-covert guarding, and GPS tracked security cases.
Alongside the announcement, Co-op has also called on UK police forces and crime commissioners to target prolific offenders and local organised criminal gangs to "reverse the existing environment where they operate without fear of being caught or charged."