The Co-op, which operates branches in Birmingham, has introduced new measures to tackle shoplifting by marking commonly stolen items with a forensic spray. This spray contains a unique code that identifies the location where the item was sold, making it easier to track reselling.
Significant Reduction in Shoplifting
According to the Co-op, this technique has reduced shoplifting by 20% in stores within a year. After successful trials in Manchester and London since last year, the company plans to roll out the method nationwide.
Paul Gerrard, policy director at the Co-op, stated: "We have made it harder to steal things and now we are making it harder to sell." He emphasized that the issue is not about petty theft but organized crime, with individuals stealing entire meat sections for resale.
Government Support and New Legislation
Gerrard welcomed new measures under the Labour government's crime and policing bill, which became law on Wednesday. He noted: "We have now got businesses taking this seriously, police taking it seriously and government taking it seriously. Everyone is pointed in the right direction and we are starting to see things improve."
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer highlighted the government's decision to scrap the rule that prevented proper investigation of stolen goods worth less than £200. He stated: "I'm not blind to how big this challenge is, but the numbers of people charged has gone up by 17%."
Starmer added: "In the latest stats shop theft is down. It's only slightly down, but the tide could be turning. There's also the hope of technology because in some parts of the country, police and retailers have been using technology that sends CCTV footage through to the police immediately."
