Turning the tide on retail crime - Co-op applauds new policing powers as landmark Bill shakes-up protection for local shops

29 April 2026

Delivering new powers for community policing and life changing protection for shopworkers, Co-op applauds the landmark Crime and Policing Bill gaining Royal Assent and becoming law and its potential to drive sustained change in the ongoing commitment to tackle crime in our high streets and communities.

Amongst a host of new policing powers, the legislation will create a specific offence for assaulting retail workers to protect those who work hard, day-in, day-out, to serve and support their local communities – at its peak, on average three to four Co-op colleagues would be attacked or assaulted in stores every day. In addition, it will end the £200 threshold for shop theft – sending a loud and clear message that any crime, even ‘low level crime’, is unacceptable in society.

Co-op’s colleagues and members campaigned for over eight years for greater protection for local stores and those who work in them. Engaging unions, local MP’s and Ministers, police and, giving evidence to successive Governments to turn a spotlight on the criminality and impact of shop theft - championing local stores and those who work in them and, rely on them.

With welcome ONS data suggesting a 1% national decline in shoplifting to year-ended December, Co-op has seen its overall retail crime levels fall faster than the national average – down 21% over the same period. Co-op has also seen physical attacks on its colleagues fall by almost a third year-on-year (31%) and, anti-social behaviour and abuse down 36% (YOY) – a trend it sees continuing into 2026.

Image: Co-op's Paul Gerrard.

Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns, Public Affairs and Policy, Co-op, said: “Shopworkers have had to tolerate unacceptable levels of theft, abuse and violence for far too long, and it’s not right. Local shops are an anchor in communities, and that is why Co-op, my colleagues and our members spoke-up, often when others wouldn’t, to clearly say criminal behaviour, violence and abuse ‘should not be part of the job’. The tide of criminality can be turned, we saw crime levels reducing in the Co-op by more than 20% in 2025. But this is just the start. As we continue to invest significantly in wide-ranging safety and security measures, forge successful partnerships with local police forces and see a significant increase in police attendance, this landmark Bill has the power to drive further sustained change, and we all must seize this opportunity and continue to work together and do all we can to protect local community stores, and those that work in them."

Among the key reasons Co-op cites for its reduction in retail crime are continued investment in wide-ranging safety and security measures and latest technology; increased levels of police attendance since the introduction of the Retail Crime Action Plan and, 20 effective partnerships with police forces to share intelligence and tackle the most persistent and prolific of offenders that drive the majority of retail crime and blight communities.

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About Co-op:

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.

For journalist/press enquiries, please contact:

Andrew Torr
Lead Press Officer, Co-op
m - 07702505551
e - andrew.torr@coop.co.uk

e - pressoffice@coop.co.uk