Co-op has hired undercover guards to patrol its shop floors as it looks to combat the rise in shoplifting.
The supermarket chain has increased the use of “covert” security staff to catch thieves in stores, The Telegraph reported.
The security employees are supplied by contractor Mitie and have been trained to confront and hold thieves until the police arrive on the scene.
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The latest move to tackle shoplifters comes weeks after Co-op revealed it had been forced to use display-only packaging for products in some stores due to the rise in theft for specific items.
The ‘dummy’ products includes coffee, washing powder and laundry gel.
Co-op managing director of food Matt Hood told The Telegraph: “The rise in shop looting and retail crime, perpetuated by repeat, prolific offenders and organised criminal gangs is becoming one of the most significant issues facing UK communities.
“This isn’t a victimless crime, as my store colleagues who have been verbally abused and had knives and syringes pulled on them can vouch for, but it is seemingly a consequence-less crime.
“Co-op has invested over £200m to try and keep our colleagues and stores safe, so I am increasingly frustrated by how our efforts are not being matched by those who have the power to enforce consequences.”
A Freedom of Information request by Co-op earlier this year showed that police failed to respond in 71% cases of serious retail crimes reported.
The supermarket said that its front-line store workers have seen physical assaults increase year-on-year by almost a third while anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse are up by a fifth.
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