Co-op has welcomed the Crime and Policing Bill becoming law, describing it as a landmark moment in the fight against retail crime.
The legislation, which has received Royal Assent, will introduce a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker and scrap the £200 threshold for shop theft.
The convenience retailer said the reforms would provide stronger protection for store workers and send a clear message that so-called “low-level” shop theft would not be tolerated.
Co-op has campaigned for more than eight years for tougher action on retail crime, working with unions, MPs, ministers and police forces to highlight the impact of shop theft, abuse and violence on local stores and staff.
The retailer said that at the peak of the crisis, an average of three to four Co-op colleagues were being attacked or assaulted in stores every day.
Co-op director of campaigns, public affairs and policy Paul Gerrard said: “Shopworkers have had to tolerate unacceptable levels of theft, abuse and violence for far too long, and it’s not right.
“Local shops are an anchor in communities, and that is why Co-op, my colleagues and our members spoke up, often when others wouldn’t, to clearly say criminal behaviour, violence and abuse should not be part of the job.”
The retailer said its own crime levels had fallen faster than the national average over the past year.
While ONS data showed a one per cent national decline in shoplifting in the year to December, Co-op said overall retail crime across its estate fell 21 per cent over the same period.
Physical attacks on Co-op colleagues dropped 31 per cent year on year, while anti-social behaviour and abuse fell 36 per cent.
Gerrard said: “The tide of criminality can be turned, we saw crime levels reducing in the Co-op by more than 20 per cent in 2025. But this is just the start.
“As we continue to invest significantly in wide-ranging safety and security measures, forge successful partnerships with local police forces and see a significant increase in police attendance, this landmark Bill has the power to drive further sustained change.”
Co-op said the decline in incidents had been supported by ongoing investment in safety and security technology, higher police attendance following the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan, and 20 partnerships with local police forces.
The retailer said those partnerships had helped it share intelligence and tackle the most persistent and prolific offenders, who it said were responsible for driving much of the retail crime affecting communities.
Gerrard added: “We all must seize this opportunity and continue to do all we can to protect local community stores, and those that work in them.”
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