Co-op further extends use of anti-theft ‘dummy display packaging’ to deter prolific and persistent offenders

The Co-op is further extending its trial of anti-theft, empty, ‘dummy display packaging’ for targeted products on its shelves to deter increasing levels of crime driven by what it has identified as "prolific and persistent" offenders.

The move is aimed at helping curb bulk-shoplifting, -described as ‘looting’ in the worst cases.

Industry reports indicate nearly 63% of crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addictions and, local organised crime gangs, among the main drivers of offending.

The empty packaging will be employed across higher value products on its shelves which are, unfortunately, frequently targeted by criminals for re-sale, in stores where there's a local issue.

Products include: coffee; higher-value chocolates, washing powder and laundry gels. Shoppers merely need to take the dummy item to the colleague on the till who will exchange it for the real product. Co-op has previously used the anti-theft packaging in a limited number of stores, and expects it to 'continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing'.

A freedom of information (FOI) request showed, on average, 71% of serious retail crime isn't  responded to by police forces, and the Co-op is calling on all police forces and crime commissioners to target prolific offenders and local organised criminal gangs to reverse the existing environment where they operate with no fear of being caught or charged.

Kate Graham, Director of Operations, 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.”