CO-OP is extending its trial of ‘dummy display packaging’ for targeted products on shelves in a bid to deter bulk shoplifting driven by ‘prolific’ and ‘persistent’ offenders.
The empty packaging will be used across higher value products on shelves that are frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale. Products include coffee, higher-value chocolates, washing powder, and laundry gels.
Shoppers will have to take the dummy display cases to tills where the dummy packaging will then be exchanged for the actual product. Co-op has previously used the anti-theft packaging in a limited number of stores, however it said that it expects it to continue to become a more familiar feature in retail.
The supermarket previously revealed that it had seen record levels of crime, with almost 1,000 shoplifting and anti-social behaviour incidents occurring each day in the six months to June 2023 – representing a 35% year on year increase.
Warning that this ‘out-of-control’, ‘consequence-less’ crime is ‘unsustainable’ and could even see some communities become a ‘no-go area’ for local stores, with it adding that many police forces do not prioritise retail crime.
Kate Graham, director of operations at Co-op, said, “Crime in many communities is increasing, and it is known that repeat and prolific offenders and, local organised criminal gangs are driving serious incidents of brazen and violent theft in stores.
“It is an ongoing challenge for all retailers, and often a flashpoint for attacks and abuse towards our colleagues. Co-op continues to invest significantly in keeping colleagues and stores safe. This includes extending our use of dummy display cases to deter the incidents of ‘bulk-shoplifting’ or, ‘looting’, as it has been described, where criminals sweep products off shelves for re-sale.
“While we are doing all we can, we also need the police to play their part as too often, Forces fail to respond to desperate calls by our store teams and criminals operate in communities without any fear of consequences.”
