Co-op Food has invested £18 million this year in protective measures for its staff, such as fortified kiosks and body-worn cameras. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there have been 469,788 recorded shoplifting offenses in England and Wales in the year leading up to June 2024, marking a 20-year high.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson acknowledges the challenges posed by these figures, emphasizing the need to enhance street safety. Major retailers like Iceland are also feeling the impact of increased shoplifting incidents, with Executive Chairman Richard Walker noting a rise in security spending amidst escalating serious incidents.
The Co-operative Group reported a nearly 20% increase in crime costs in their shops, reaching £39.5 million in the first half of 2024. Retailers are grappling with the repercussions of heightened shoplifting, prompting discussions on ways to address the issue.
The Crime and Policing Bill introduced in July aims to combat retail crime, proposing stronger measures against shoplifting and creating a new offense for assaulting shop workers. With theft offenses reaching 1.8 million in the year to June 2024, the government is taking steps to address the rising trend.
Knife crime, robberies, and theft from the person offenses have also seen increases, underscoring the urgency of addressing criminal activities. While government initiatives are in place to tackle these challenges, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) emphasizes the need for effective actions to protect shopkeepers and deter criminal behavior.
Overall, the data highlights the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address shop theft and ensure the safety of retail workers and communities. Please rewrite this sentence.
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