The Co-op has recruited undercover guards to patrol its shop floors in a bid to tackle the rise in shoplifting.
The convenience store chain said it had increased the use of “covert” security staff to catch thieves in its shops, The Telegraph reported.
The security staff, which are supplied by contractor Mitie, have been trained to confront and hold shoplifters until the police arrive on the scene.
However, according to a Freedom of Information request by Co-op, police failed to respond to 71% of serious retail crimes reported.
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It is the latest move by the supermarket to tackle shoplifting and comes weeks after it revealed it had been forced to use display-only packaging for products in some stores due to the increase in theft for specific items including coffee, washing powder and laundry gel.
Managing director of food Matt Hood told the newspaper: “The rise in shop looting and retail crime, perpetuated by repeat, prolific offenders and organised criminal gangs is becoming one of the most significant issues facing UK communities.
“This isn’t a victimless crime, as my store colleagues who have been verbally abused and had knives and syringes pulled on them can vouch for, but it is seemingly a consequence-less crime.”
Co-op has invested more than £200m in recent years to tackle the rise in criminal behaviour, which per store equates to four times the average convenience sector spend on security and safety measures.
