Co-op reports record levels of theft and violence

The Co-op has set out a list of recommendations to tackle rising crimes in stores following record levels of theft and violence.

In its report, ‘Stealing with Impunity’, written by Professor of Criminology at City, University of London, Emmeline Taylor, the Co-op outlines a ten-point plan to break the cycle of retail crime and establish collaboration between the retail industry, police, and broader criminal justice system.

The Co-op revealed that in 2023 it experienced 336,270 incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour across its 2,400 stores during 2023, a 44% year-on-year increase – equating to nearly 1,000 incidents every day across its estate.  It also saw over 1,325 physical assaults against store workers in 2023, up 34% year-on-year which is three or four colleagues attacked or assaulted every day, and more than 40,000 incidents of anti-social behaviour and abuse (up 37%).

It did say there have been improvements in Police response rates since the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan, with specially trained undercover (covert) guards detaining 3361 criminals in Co-op stores during 2023. Earlier this year, the Co-op reported that Police failed to attend in 79% of incidents where a criminal had been detained however since the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan, the non-attendance rate has improved to 38% yet, with two-in-five detained criminals still walking away, it continues to send a message that this is a consequence-less crime. 

The Co-op said it hopes the new report will “foster a refreshed, honest and collaborative approach between the retail industry, police, and broader criminal justice system, and build on the advancements seen”.

Commenting on the rise in crime, managing director of Co-op Food Matt Hood said: “We are seeing far too many prolific offenders persistently steal large volumes of products, in our shops every day, and, if they are stealing to fund addictions, the situation often becomes volatile and dangerous. Crime is an occupation for some - it is not petty crime, and it is not victimless. 

“It is imperative MPs don’t turn their backs on shopworkers, and vote through the amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill to give my colleagues the protection they deserve. Taking on board Professor Taylor’s recommendations, with a collaborative approach between the retail industry, the police, and the Government, will send out a loud and clear message to all those who commit brazen and violent acts of theft that time is now up on their criminal ways.” 

Author of the report, Professor of Criminology at City, University of London, Emmeline Taylor, said: “Retail crime not only impacts on a business’s ability to operate safely and profitably but as my report demonstrates it also causes serious harm to shop workers, both physically and mentally, and to communities that are blighted by persistent offending. The police in England and Wales have lost grip on the scale and severity of acquisitive crime, and, in turn, retailers have lost confidence in them and the wider criminal justice system. My report sets out ten actionable recommendations to turn the tide on the current tsunami of shop theft. By taking decisive action to tackle high-volume, high-impact retail crime, the police and retail industry can work together to create safer communities in which to live, work and shop.”