Retail crime surges as gangs target Co-op

The Co-op has called on police forces to do more after experiencing 175,000 crime incidents from January to June alone this year.

The company revealed that almost 1,000 incidents are reported every day in their shops across the country, with one London store being “looted” three times in a single day. Some of these incidents include theft, staff abuse and anti-social behaviour with some staff experiencing physical assaults.

Footage released showed a gang attempting to break into the shop as security staff desperately tried to keep the doors shut, with several people in the group managing to get inside.

According to their figures, they have seen physical assaults increase by almost a third year-on-year and anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse increase by a fifth.

The Co-op has warned that the level of crime is “out of control” and could see some locations void as “no-go zones” for convenience shops.

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Matt Hood, managing director at Co-op Food said: “I have seen some horrific incidents of brazen and violent theft in our stores, where my store colleagues feel scared and threatened.

“I see first-hand how this criminal behaviour also erodes the very fabric of our communities – it’s hard to over-emphasise how important urgent change is.”

The company said many of the crimes are gang-related and are carried out without fear of being caught.

They have called on police and crime commissioners to “play their part” and target prolific offenders.

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A Freedom of Information request by Co-op showed that police failed to respond in 71 percent of serious retail crimes reported.

James Lowman, the chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said organised criminal activity exploits vulnerable people and funds the illegal drug trade.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Theft is down 20 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels. However, we recognise the impact that theft can have on retailers which is why we are supporting police by providing funding for crime prevention means.

“The government’s anti-social behaviour action plan, which is backed by £160m of funding will make our communities safer by ensuring perpetrators face swift and visible justice, tougher punishments and introduce early interventions to reduce this behaviour.”

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