The Co-op is rolling out an abundance of security measures across further stores - in a bid to put an end to shoplifting. The supermarket has announced that it will be extending its trial of anti-theft 'dummy display packaging' for certain products on shelves.
Dummy packaging usually comes in the form of empty boxes, which are exchanged for the real product upon checkout by staff. The Co-op say that the packaging will be used across higher-priced products which are frequently targeted by thieves for re-sale.
This will be done in stores where the chain are faced with the issue on a local level. Products impacted by the rollout include coffee, washing powder and laundry gel.
It is reported by The Mirror that the Co-operative expect the practice will 'continue to become a more familiar feature in retailing'. And it's not just the Co-op making moves against shoplifting. A number of other chains have been implementing stronger security measures across outlets.
This includes security tagging products, limiting products on shelves, searching customer bags and making shoppers scan receipts before departing the store of purchase. Just last month, the Co-op revealed that it had seen record levels of crime, shoplifting, and anti-social behaviour - with almost 1,000 incidents each day over the six month period to June.
The supermarket chain said that the rising levels of crime is driven by 'repeat and prolific offenders, with drug or alcohol addictions, and local organised crime gangs' - citing research carried out by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
The levels of crime are 'not sustainable' according to the Co-op, and could see some communities turn into 'no-go areas for local stores'.
