Co-op marking commonly-stolen items with forensic spray to track reselling
Summary
Co-op is using an invisible forensic spray on stolen items like alcohol and laundry detergent to track where they are resold and help the police catch criminals. This effort is part of wider security improvements that have reduced crime and attacks on staff in their stores.Key Facts
- Co-op marks often-stolen products with a special invisible spray that has a unique code showing which store they came from.
- The spray allows police to track stolen goods when they appear in shops or online stores.
- Co-op began testing this method last year in Manchester and London, now expanding it nationwide.
- The company has invested about £250 million in security, including cameras, more guards, and protective shelving.
- AI technology is being tested to spot unusual behavior on store cameras and alert staff.
- Co-op works with police in 20 areas to share CCTV evidence, leading to 500 offenders being jailed for over 100 years combined.
- New laws now make it easier to prosecute retail theft and assault on retail workers.
- Shoplifting offenses in England and Wales passed half a million last year, highlighting the scale of the problem.
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