The Co-op has claimed the real cost of shoplifting is to the “physical and mental safety” of its staff, despite the high leakage costs experienced by the food business.
Co-op group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq highlighted leakage costs to the food business, including factor fraud, were around £33m in each one.
However, she reiterated colleagues in stores had to face these issues everyday, and that it “should not be part of their job”.
The executive said: “We’ve been actively calling for police forces to target repeat and prolific offenders to reverse the existing environment in many cities where criminal gangs operate seemingly exempt from consequences”.
The rise in crime threatens shopworkers, shops & communities – 👇 from @GMB@coopuk spend 4 times sector average per store on security but @PoliceChiefs need to act because right now they don't attend in 71% of serious crimes we report @ACS_LocalShops @the_brc @UsdawUnion https://t.co/pvktFA0qgH
— Co-op Campaigns Team (@coopukcampaigns) July 27, 2023
The news comes after a Freedom of Information request by the supermarket found police didn’t respond to the reporting of serious retail crimes 71% of the time.
Khoury-Haq said: “Without a change of police response, the fabric and confidence of communities will continue to be undermined.”
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Last week, the Co-op revealed it has recruited undercover guards to combat the rise in shoplifting.Â
Hood said he was pleased about media coverage of the issue, stressing this “had to turn into action” which was where they planned to push in the coming months.
John Lewis boss and Primark owner have called for tougher laws on shoplifting to combat the rise in anti-social behaviour and crime.
The news comes as Co-op revealed it had seen a rise in membership sign ups and pulled in profits during H1 in its interim results announcement this morning.
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