Retail crime is escalating, with Co-op’s Matt Hood urging police action to curtail the surge.
- Incidents of retail crime have surged by 35% year-on-year, worrying industry leaders.
- Data reveals that 71% of serious retail crimes reported have not received police attention.
- Violence against store workers has increased dramatically, raising concerns about safety.
- Co-op has invested heavily in security, yet calls for urgent police involvement persist.
Amid the alarming rise in retail crime, Co-op managing director Matt Hood has pressed for an urgent review of police response strategies. Hood notes that crime is surging at a 35% increase on the prior year, with over 175,000 incidents logged in just the first half of 2023, translating to nearly 1,000 instances daily. This disturbing trend includes not only theft but also significant upticks in anti-social behavior and verbal abuse against store personnel.
The Co-op’s appeal to law enforcement is backed by stark statistics. An investigation via a Freedom of Information request unveiled that police responses were absent in 71% of serious retail crime cases reported to authorities. Hood’s experiences underscore the gravity of the situation, as he recounts witnessing “horrific incidents of brazen and violent theft” within Co-op outlets. His stance is clear: “it’s hard to over-emphasise how important urgent change is.”
Frontline Co-op employees are encountering increasing threats to their safety, with reported physical assaults rising by 30% and verbal abuse by 20%. Such statistics fuel fears that without effective police intervention, some community stores may become “no-go” zones, potentially isolating areas from crucial retail services.
In response to these challenges, Co-op has proactively boosted its security measures, investing over £200 million—four times the average sector outlay per store. This significant investment includes equipping staff with body-worn cameras and communication headsets, aimed at deterring crime and safeguarding workers. Additionally, Co-op is trialing a strategy of limiting the physical placement of high-value items in stores, substituting them with ‘dummy’ products to deter theft.
Despite these investments, the necessity for a collaborative effort with the police remains pressing. The safety of employees and the integrity of community services depend significantly on responsive and decisive action from law enforcement. As such, resonance with Hood’s appeal is critical to reversing current trends, ensuring that crime does not hamper the viability and security of neighborhood retail environments.
To mitigate the growing threat of retail crime, a synergistic approach between retailers and law enforcement is imperative.
