Dramatic rise in ‘looting’ and employees abuse at Co-op retailers in previous 12 months

Crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour has elevated by over a 3rd in Co-op retailers prior to now 12 months.

The firm has revealed that nearly 1,000 incidents occurred each day in retailers within the first six months of 2023, a complete of greater than 175,000.

One store in internal London was “looted” thrice in a single day.

Shop staff have additionally seen bodily assaults enhance by virtually a 3rd year-on-year, and anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse enhance by a fifth.

Co-op has warned that the extent of crime is “out-of-control” and will see some areas change into no-go areas for comfort retailers.

Matt Hood, managing director at Co-op Food mentioned: “I’ve seen some horrific incidents of brazen and violent theft in our shops, the place my retailer colleagues really feel scared and threatened.

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“I see first-hand how this prison behaviour additionally erodes the very cloth of our communities – it is arduous to over-emphasise how necessary pressing change is.”

Co-op has said many local organised crime gangs operate without fear of being caught, and called on police and crime commissioners to “play their half” and goal prolific offenders.

A Freedom of Information request by Co-op confirmed that police failed to reply in 71% of significant retail crimes reported.

James Lowman, the chief government of the Association of Convenience Stores, mentioned organised prison exercise exploits susceptible individuals and funds the unlawful drug commerce.