Innovation of the Week: Co-op installs AI and secure tills to tackle retail crime

What is it?

The Co-op is installing more than 200 secure tills, adding locked cabinets for spirits and using AI to monitor self-checkouts as it strives to curb retail crime.

Technology is the tip of the iceberg for the Co-op, which has unveiled a 10-point plan to safeguard and protect store workers. 

Why does it matter?

The Co-op reported 336,270 incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and antisocial behaviour at its 2,400 stores last year, a year-on-year surge of 44%.

In a new report commissioned by the retailer, written by Professor Emmeline Taylor, the Co-op outlines a 10-point plan of priorities to address the alarming increase in crime, violence, intimidation and abuse faced by store workers.

In addition to the new safeguarding technology such as secure tills and AI, Co-op is calling for MPs to back an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill to protect shopworkers.

“By taking decisive action to tackle high-volume, high-impact retail crime, the police and retail industry can work together to create safer communities in which to live, work and shop”

Emmeline Taylor, professor of criminology at City University of London

Strategic implications

Amid a pandemic of organised retail crime, we anticipate more businesses taking a similar approach to leverage new technology and lobby the government for support to protect store workers. 

Winning strategies

• Nurture customers and staff
• Cross-industry collaboration
• AI for improved productivity