The Co-op has decided to extend its anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ trial in response to escalating retail crime.
- Targeted products such as coffee, washing powder and laundry gel will be encased in dummy display cases.
- Customers will need to exchange these dummy cases at the till for the actual product.
- This measure is part of a broader effort by the Co-op to enhance store and community safety amidst rising crime rates.
- In the first half of 2023 alone, over 175,000 incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour were recorded.
The Co-op has announced an extension to its trial of anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ aimed at reducing crime in its stores. This decision comes in light of increasing incidents of theft, particularly from repeat offenders and organised crime gangs. Products frequently targeted by criminals, such as coffee, washing powder, and laundry gel, will now be encased in this empty packaging. Customers must take these dummy packages to the till to receive the actual product.
This initiative follows a limited-use trial and reflects the Co-op’s determination to combat rising retail theft. With the introduction of dummy packaging, the retailer hopes to deter bulk shoplifting wherein criminals sweep valuable products off the shelves for resale. The Co-op envisages that such anti-theft measures will become more common in the retail industry, given the current climate of shopping crime.
The Co-op has recorded more than 175,000 incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour in stores just in the first six months of 2023. This alarming statistic underscores the ongoing challenge faced by retailers in maintaining a safe shopping environment. As part of its broader safety strategy, the Co-op has invested over £200 million in enhancing the safety of its colleagues and the communities they serve.
Director of operations at the Co-op, Kate Graham, highlighted the severe impact of organised criminal gangs and repeat offenders on the retail landscape. She noted that these individuals not only drive incidents of theft but also pose a threat to store staff, who often find themselves at the flashpoint of such crimes. Despite these measures, Graham called for greater support from police forces, stressing the importance of collaboration to effectively tackle crime.
In an interview, Co-op managing director Matt Hood expressed disappointment over the defence of shoplifting behaviours amid rising food prices. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to curb such attitudes and ensure that retail crime does not go unchecked. The Co-op remains committed to taking all possible steps to protect its stores and staff from the growing threat of retail crimes.
The Co-op continues to prioritise safety and security, extending its trial of dummy packaging as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat retail crime.
