Co-op has been utilizing GPS trackers on sausages to combat theft incidents, as revealed in a recent social media post showcasing the use of trackers on a pack of Co-op Irresistible Cumberland sausages priced at £3.90 in a Sussex store, where the sausages were securely enclosed in a perspex box.
A spokesperson from Co-op emphasized their commitment to enhancing safety and security measures in their stores to deter criminal activities, citing investments in advanced CCTV systems, body-worn cameras, fortified kiosks, security cases, as well as both covert and non-covert security personnel. These efforts, in collaboration with local law enforcement, have led to a notable reduction of over 20% in retail crime at Co-op stores last year, a positive trend continuing into 2026.
Supermarkets across the UK have been ramping up security protocols to address the surge in theft incidents. Additional strategies such as locking display cabinets and implementing receipt-scanning gates at exit points have been put in place to enhance security measures.
Recent data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) indicates a significant number of detected theft incidents, totaling 5.5 million cases last year, resulting in substantial financial losses for retailers amounting to nearly £400 million. While incidents of violence and abuse against retail workers decreased by 20% in 2025, the figures remained at the second-highest level on record.
Although the overall number of incidents dropped to 1,600 per day from 2,000, the BRC raised concerns about the persistently high levels of criminal activities, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to address the issue effectively. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, which received Royal Assent last month, eliminated the £200 threshold for lower-value theft, now treating all shoplifting incidents as standard criminal offenses.
Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the BRC, highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by theft and violence in retail settings, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between retailers, law enforcement agencies, and the government to combat organized criminal activities targeting stores.