Tesco is launching a significant new crackdown on supermarket crime, with a major trial beginning on Monday morning. The UK's largest grocer will implement the Auror crime reporting platform across stores in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire for a 10-week period.
Addressing Rising Retail Violence
The initiative comes in response to alarming statistics from the latest BRC Crime Survey, which reveals that incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers now exceed 2,000 occurrences daily across the sector. Tesco, competing with rivals including Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Asda, Aldi, and Lidl, is taking proactive measures to enhance safety for both colleagues and customers.
How the Auror Platform Works
The Auror system, already utilised by multiple retailers and UK police forces, streamlines the reporting process for security incidents. This technology enables store teams to document crimes more efficiently and consistently after they occur.
Mark Gleeson, VP UK and Europe at Auror, explained: "Auror's software provides a structured approach to recording crime, helping Tesco connect patterns across multiple locations regarding prolific offenders. This gives them the necessary information to make informed safety decisions and collaborate effectively with police authorities."
Enhanced Safety Measures
Tesco has committed substantial resources to security improvements over recent years, investing tens of millions of pounds in various protective measures. These include:
- Record investment in security personnel
- Implementation of body-worn cameras for staff
- Installation of protective screens at service points
- Additional mobile security officer support
- Enhanced door entry systems
Industry Collaboration Against Crime
By adopting the Auror platform, Tesco joins what has become the world's largest network of retailers collaborating to address retail crime. Statistics indicate that the top 10% of offenders are responsible for approximately 70% of retail crime incidents, with one in every ten events involving violence or weapons.
Rachel Bennett, Security Director at Tesco, stated: "Our investments in safety improvements across our store network ensure we not only lead in tackling retail crime symptoms but also drive sector-wide collaboration to deter potential offenders. This trial will help improve colleague safety and address abusive and violent behaviour by identifying repeat and dangerous offenders while assisting police investigations."
The Auror partnership represents a significant step in Tesco's ongoing commitment to creating safer shopping environments. The platform's ability to identify patterns across multiple locations will provide valuable intelligence for both the retailer and law enforcement agencies working to reduce retail crime nationwide.
