Co-op’s managing director of food, Matt Hood, highlights the significant emotional and physical toll on staff due to shoplifting, overshadowing financial losses.
- An increase of 19% in shoplifting-related losses was noted in Co-op’s first half, totalling approximately £39 million.
- Despite a substantial investment in security measures, crime and abuse in Co-op stores have reached unprecedented levels.
- Recruitment challenges for Co-op remain unaffected by the rise in retail crime, according to Matt Hood.
- The crime surge is highlighted as a national issue, with shoplifting in the UK reaching a 20-year high.
The Co-op’s managing director of food, Matt Hood, made a compelling case that while financial losses from shoplifting are considerable, the physical and mental impact on staff is far more critical. He stated, ‘It just fundamentally shouldn’t be part of their job,’ emphasizing the unjust burden faced by his team members daily.
The first half of the year saw a 19% increase in losses due to shoplifting, amounting to around £39 million. Despite this substantial financial impact, Hood stresses the greater importance of safeguarding the well-being of Co-op employees.
To mitigate the effects of this rising retail crime, Co-op is investing heavily in security infrastructure. The company expends £27 million annually on security personnel, over £5 million on fortified kiosks, and £3 million on advanced technologies like CCTV and AI to enhance store safety.
In response to concerns about whether this crime wave affects staffing, Hood reassured that Co-op continues to attract recruits. ‘We are a business that people want to be part of,’ he stated, highlighting the company’s resilient image despite external challenges.
The escalation of crime in Co-op stores is part of a broader trend, with the UK’s shoplifting incidents reaching a 20-year peak. Paul Gerrard, the group’s public affairs director, reported a 44% increase in crime at Co-op stores, with violence and abuse rising by 35%. Such statistics underscore the urgency of addressing retail crime as a substantial national concern.
In conclusion, while financial impacts from shoplifting are significant, the Co-op prioritises the emotional and physical well-being of its staff.
