Record Levels of Retail Crime Reported by Co-op as Stronger Legislation Demands Increase
Retail crime in the UK has reached alarming levels, with British retailer Co-op reporting record levels of crime last year. The rise in shoplifting, abuse, violence, and anti-social behavior has cost the economy billions of pounds and put pressure on the government to take stronger action.
Co-op experienced a staggering 44 percent year-on-year increase in retail crime, equating to around 1,000 incidents every day across its 2,400 stores. Of particular concern is the rise in physical assaults against store workers, with three or four staff members being attacked or assaulted every day.
The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that police are failing to attend 38 percent of incidents where a criminal has been detained. Prior to the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan in October 2023, this figure was even higher at 79 percent. While there has been some improvement since the plan’s launch, with police attendance dropping to 38 percent, Co-op believes that two-in-five detained criminals are still walking away.
The Retail Crime Action Plan, launched by the Home Office, aims to crack down on shoplifters and prioritize incidents that involve violence against shop workers. However, Co-op argues that more needs to be done to deter criminals and ensure the safety of retail workers.
In response to these alarming figures, Co-op has called on the government to change the law and provide better protection for shopworkers. The retailer suggests introducing a standalone offense for the protection of retail workers and establishing specialist “intensive supervision courts” for retail crime. These recommendations would require amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently in the House of Commons stage.
Co-op’s report also highlights the need for increased resources and support for the police. Professor Emmeline Taylor, the author of the report and a criminology expert, argues that police in England and Wales have lost grip on the scale and severity of acquisitive crime.
The Labour Party has also voiced its concerns and vowed to end the £200 threshold rule if it wins the next general election. The party argues that the government is failing the retail sector and calls for stronger legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats, and abuse.
The British Retail Consortium reveals that retail crime cost the UK economy £1.76 billion between 2021 and 2022. Shoplifting alone accounted for £953 million, while retailers spent £715 million on crime prevention measures.
It is clear that urgent action is needed to address the rising levels of retail crime in the UK. By implementing stronger legislation, providing better protection for shopworkers, and allocating more resources to the police, the government can work together with the retail industry to create safer communities for all.
