…By for TDPel Media.
A series of alarming incidents have shed light on the growing crime affecting inner-city London Co-op stores.
The firm disclosed that in a single day, their store was “looted” three times, highlighting a sharp increase in criminal activities.
The first half of the year witnessed over 175,000 cases of antisocial behavior and crimes, including rampant shoplifting, averaging nearly 1,000 incidents per day.
Co-op reports that such offenses have surged by over a third within the past year, raising concerns about the sustainability of the current situation.
If left unchecked, this escalating “out-of-control crime” may transform some communities into no-go areas for local businesses.
Alarming Crime Statistics and Police Response
A Freedom of Information request by Co-op revealed alarming statistics, indicating that the police failed to respond in 71 percent of the reported serious retail crimes.
This lack of response is exacerbating the situation, allowing criminals to operate without fear of consequences.
Front-line store workers have also been victims of escalating violence, with physical assaults increasing by nearly a third year-on-year, and anti-social behavior and verbal abuse rising by a fifth.
These figures paint a worrying picture of the challenges retailers face, as they grapple with repeat offenders and organized criminal gangs.
Co-op’s Plea for Urgent Change
Matt Hood, the Managing Director of Co-op Food, expressed deep concern about the ongoing criminal activities, attributing them to repeat and prolific offenders, as well as organized criminal gangs.
He witnessed appalling incidents of brazen and violent theft in their stores, leaving store colleagues feeling scared and threatened.
Beyond the immediate impact on store safety, such criminal behavior corrodes the fabric of communities.
Co-op acknowledges its investments in safety measures but emphasizes the crucial role of the police in addressing the issue.
Unfortunately, the police’s inadequate response to desperate calls from store teams has allowed criminals to operate with impunity.
Seeking Collaboration and Solutions
The Association of Convenience Stores Chief Executive, James Lowman, supports Co-op’s concerns, noting that crime in communities is worsening due to organized criminals and repeat offenders targeting local shops for goods to resell.
These criminals exploit vulnerable individuals, involving them in theft to exchange for drugs and contribute to illegal drug trade, while harming businesses that serve essential community needs.
Lowman urges the police to confront theft, violence, and anti-social behavior surrounding local shops, particularly by cracking down on the major culprits behind these crimes.
The Concerning Impact on Shop Workers
Paddy Lillis, General Secretary of the shop workers union Usdaw, joins the chorus of concern.
Lillis highlights the mounting evidence of the increasing trend in retail crime, especially shoplifting, which directly affects shop workers.
Such thefts have long been associated with violence and abuse against employees.
Co-op’s statement aligns with this assessment, noting the link between shoplifting and organized crime gangs.
As such, the safety and protection of shop workers must be prioritized.
Industry-Wide Call for Action
The British Retail Consortium (BRC), representing a significant portion of the UK retail industry, has also raised its voice on this issue.
BRC recently wrote to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, urging stronger measures to safeguard shop staff and crack down on thieves.
The organization’s research reveals a worrying 13 percent increase in theft from London’s retail premises over the previous year, signifying a critical need for immediate action to address the growing crime epidemic.
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