New system helps cut crime at Co-op stores
It's being trialled by Devon and Cornwall Police
Last updated 17 hours ago
Crime has fallen at Co-op stores, after the trial of a new system, including improved tracking of repeat offenders.
The retail giant said the number of cases solved has almost doubled, thanks to a new reporting trial, with Devon and Cornwall Police.
The Co-op said new data revealed that 90% of identified shop theft offenders are repeat offenders, with just 50 individuals responsible for around a quarter of all shop theft offences in the Devon and Cornwall force area, often with more than 100 known offences each.
The new system is said to enable stronger intelligence sharing, improved tracking of repeat offenders, stronger cases against prolific offenders and closer collaboration with police.
The Co-op said its staff upload incident details, CCTV, photos and impact statements enabling police to record and allocate the crime in as little 30 minutes, a process it adds could take police up to seven days.
The trial is taking place across all Co-op stores in Devon and Cornwall, with discussions under way with other police forces.
Director of campaigns, public affairs and policy at the Co-op, Paul Gerrard, said: “The reduction in retail crime at Co-op is very welcome, but these are green shoots with crime levels remaining higher than before the pandemic.
“The success of this initiative demonstrates the benefits that we know can be realised, when retailers and police work together.
“We have seen that offenders can be identified and investigations can progress much faster and, importantly for everyone, outcomes improve significantly.”
Chris Chaloner, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “The results from this pilot have been extremely impressive. The evidence provided through the platform is available to officers immediately, allowing investigations to progress much more quickly.
“Crucially, this approach helps us to link crimes and identify and target those prolific offenders who are responsible for a disproportionate amount of retail crime.
“We know that a relatively small number of individuals commit a large volume of offences. By working closely with retailers, building effective partnerships and receiving high-quality evidence, we can take earlier action, secure more charges and achieve better outcomes for our high streets and communities.”
Policing minister, Sarah Jones, said: “Collaboration between the retail industry, police and government is exactly what I want to see as chair of the retail crime forum. This pilot is a great example of what can be achieved, when working together to tackle crime.
“Shop theft is falling across the country and more criminals are being charged. This is good progress, but we will go further, restoring neighbourhood policing, with thousands more officers already in our communities.
“We are also changing the law, to make it clearer that there will be consequences for shop theft of any value and bringing in a stand-alone offence for assaulting a retail worker.”