Co-op has recently utilized GPS trackers on sausages as a measure to combat theft within their stores. A social media post revealed the use of these trackers on a pack of Co-op Irresistible Cumberland sausages, priced at £3.90, in a Sussex store. The sausages were securely enclosed in a perspex box.
According to a Co-op spokesperson, the company is actively investing in various safety and security measures to address criminal activities. These initiatives include advanced CCTV systems, body-worn cameras, fortified kiosks, security cases, and both overt and covert security personnel. These efforts, in conjunction with partnerships with local law enforcement, have led to a notable reduction of over 20% in retail crime incidents at Co-op last year, a trend that is continuing into 2026.
Supermarkets across the UK have been enhancing their security protocols to deter escalating theft incidents. Additional strategies include locking display cabinets and implementing receipt-scanning gates at exit points to prevent unauthorized exits.
Recent data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) highlights that there were approximately 5.5 million recorded theft incidents last year, resulting in significant financial losses for retailers. While incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers decreased by 20% in 2025 compared to the previous year, the overall numbers remain alarmingly high.
The Crime and Policing Bill, which recently received Royal Assent, has eliminated the £200 threshold for treating lower-value theft as a summary offense. All instances of shoplifting are now classified as general theft and are subject to standard criminal prosecution.
Helen Dickinson, the CEO of BRC, emphasized the persistent issue of violence in the retail sector and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between retailers, law enforcement, and the government to combat theft effectively. Dickinson stressed the importance of consistent enforcement, improved data sharing, and targeted interventions against prolific offenders and organized criminal groups.