Record Shoplifting Levels Prompt Grocer’s Innovative Response

  • Co-op extends use of anti-theft dummy display packaging to deter rising crime
  • 63% of crime driven by repeat offenders and local organized gangs
  • Record levels of shoplifting and anti-social behavior in six months to June 2023, a 35% YOY increase
  • Empty packaging used for higher value products in stores with local issues
  • Co-op invested £200m in colleague and community safety measures

Co-op is expanding its use of anti-theft, empty dummy display packaging for targeted products on its shelves to combat rising crime driven by repeat offenders and local organized gangs. Industry reports show that almost two-thirds (63%) of crime is driven by these groups, with drug or alcohol addictions as main drivers. The move involves using the empty packaging across higher value products frequently targeted by criminals for resale in stores where there is a local issue. Products include coffee, high-value chocolates, washing powder, and laundry gels, with shoppers taking the dummy display case to the till for exchange with the actual product. Co-op has previously used the anti-theft packaging in limited stores and expects it to become a more common feature in retailing. The convenience retailer has invested over £200m in recent years in colleague and community safety measures, including CCTV, body-worn cameras, guarding, and dummy display cases.

Factuality Level: 10
Factuality Justification: The article provides accurate information about Co-op’s efforts to combat rising crime levels in their stores by implementing anti-theft measures such as using empty packaging for targeted products. It cites industry reports on the drivers of crime and includes quotes from a director of operations at Co-op discussing the issue and their response.
Noise Level: 3
Noise Justification: The article provides relevant information about Co-op’s efforts to combat rising crime levels in their stores by implementing anti-theft measures such as using empty packaging for targeted products. It also highlights the issue of repeat offenders and the need for police forces to address the problem.
Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Co-op’s stock price and retail industry
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses Co-op’s efforts to combat rising crime levels, which can impact their financial performance and the overall retail industry. This could potentially affect their stock price and the performance of other retailers facing similar issues.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: Minor
Extreme Rating Justification: While there is an issue of increasing crime and shoplifting, it does not meet the criteria for an extreme event as defined in the prompt.

Reported publicly: www.retailsector.co.uk