‘A new criminal offence to protect staff is progress, but tackling retail crime is not over’

At Central Co-op we’ve observed a significant surge in violent crime. The data from our Loss Prevention Team paints a stark picture: a 58.7% increase in total reported internal crime in the last 12 months alone, primarily driven by a rise in theft across our retail stores.

These are not just numbers, they also represent the safety and security of our colleagues, members and customers. Safeguarding the wellbeing of those in our stores and ensuring our colleagues return home safe each day remains the utmost priority of all of us.

Amidst these challenges, we’ve taken a proactive stance, implementing a multifaceted approach aimed at protecting our people and assets. One crucial aspect of our strategy involves forging partnerships with law enforcement agencies.

Central Co-op’s collaboration with the West Midlands police and crime commissioner’s ‘Offender to Rehab’ programme highlights our commitment to addressing the root causes of crime, particularly focusing on issues of addiction and societal vulnerability. This initiative reflects our belief in tackling crime at its source, fostering rehabilitation and community integration.

We also actively collaborate with other retailers and industry bodies to share best practices, insights and intelligence on emerging threats and trends in retail crime. Through forums, working groups and information-sharing platforms, we leverage the collective knowledge and experience of the retail community to develop proactive strategies and countermeasures.

We believe that by fostering a culture of collaboration and information exchange we strengthen our collective resilience against common challenges and enhance our ability to adapt and respond to evolving threats. This collaborative approach not only benefits Central Co-op but contributes to the broader retail ecosystem, promoting a safer and more secure retail environment for all.

“In 2023, we sent 34 letters to the home secretary and local MPs following each and every colleague assault, urging greater support”

Additionally, we have made significant investments in safety initiatives and equipment across our stores. From the deployment of body-worn cameras to the implementation of innovative technologies like Watch Me Now systems, we’re constantly looking to evolve and stay ahead of emerging threats. We’ve increased investment in store detective hours and guarding to bolster frontline defences, and the introduction of campaigns like Shopkind to foster a culture of vigilance among our colleagues and customers.

As well as our operational initiatives, we actively engage with local MPs to advocate for enhanced measures to combat retail crime. In 2023, we sent 34 letters to the home secretary and local MPs following each and every colleague assault, expressing our concerns for colleague safety and urging greater support from local authorities.

We also conducted 10 MP visits to our local community stores, following a colleague assault, providing an opportunity for constructive dialogue and collaboration on addressing the root causes of crime in our communities.

These engagements have served as a vital platform for raising awareness and gaining political support for initiatives aimed at enhancing security and protecting our colleagues and customers. Through ongoing dialogue with local representatives, we aim to drive meaningful change and ensure that the voices of our frontline workers are heard in government.

“Only 8% of reported retail crime resulted in a prosecution last year, with just 4% resulting in a conviction”

It’s essential to acknowledge the recurring challenges our teams are facing in our efforts to combat retail crime. While we continue to invest in protective measures, it’s imperative that the police prioritise these offenses and enhance their response to incidents.

The British Retail Consortium reports that only 8% of reported retail crime resulted in a prosecution last year, with just 4% resulting in a conviction. Collaborative efforts with the police and local leadership are crucial to addressing this issue effectively. These are not victimless crimes, and the enduring impact we’ve seen on our colleagues, members and customers highlights the urgency for meaningful change.

The recent legislative milestone, which will make assaulting a retail worker a standalone criminal offence, is a significant step forward, and one that Central Co-op has been campaigning for alongside other retailers for many years. However, our work is far from over. In the recent local elections, we encouraged our colleagues, members and communities to engage with their local police and crime commissioner candidates, urging them to prioritise tackling retail crime and ensuring the enforcement of the newly established offence.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to tackling retail crime through a comprehensive and collaborative approach with law enforcement, governing bodies and other retailers.

While the challenges may be daunting, we’re determined to leverage our resources, expertise and partnerships to safeguard our colleagues, members, customers and assets. Together, we can build safer, more resilient communities and ensure that everyone can shop and work without fear or intimidation.