CHEESE on sale for £2.45 is among items placed in GPS-tracked security cases at a Dorset supermarket.

Blocks of cheddar and red Leicester are among items placed in the secure containers at the Co-op store in Poole Road, Upton.

Images of the measures have been posted on social media, provoking a shocked reaction from some shoppers.
The chain said it had taken measures across the country to deter shoplifters and that crime can be “a flashpoint for abuse, violence, attacks and anti-social behaviour”.

Co-op has recently announced a scheme to prevent shoplifting which has seen staff issued with body-worn cameras in a bid to deter and document criminal activity.

A spokesperson for the supermarket giant said: “The safety and security of colleagues, communities and stores is our clear priority.

“Retail crime affects all retailers, and shoplifting can also be a flashpoint for abuse, violence, attacks and anti-social behaviour towards store workers as they work to serve and support their communities.

“The majority of retail crime is driven by repeat and prolific offenders – stealing goods for re-sale or to fund addictions – and, Co-op uses a wide range of preventative measures across its stores, this can include body-worn cameras; the latest CCTV; covert (undercover) and non-covert guarding, ‘dummy’ or empty packaging and GPS-tracked security cases.”

In June, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said retail crime, like shoplifting, was a “major concern”.

“I know business crime is not a victimless offence and I assure you I take it extremely seriously,” he said. “Indeed it was a reason I stood for this role originally.

“From my regular conversations with business owners and leaders, I know the impact these harmful crimes not only have on business’ bottom lines, but on the staff and communities targeted.

“I am determined to bring about change, not only to drive down these offences but ensure businesses have increased confidence in reporting to police.

“This is vital as without crucial information and intelligence, police cannot target resources to specific areas, allowing criminals to operate freely without fear of consequence.”

Cheese is among items to have been secured at the Co-op in Poole Road, Upton. Picture: Google

The comment came after ONS (Office for National Statistics) crime figures for 2023 showed a 48% rise in shoplifting in the county.

Shopworkers’ union Usdaw said shoplifting put staff at risk and could cause fear and anxiety, as well as physical harm.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: “Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, theft from shops has long been a major flashpoint for violence and abuse against shopworkers.

“Having to deal with repeated and persistent shoplifters can cause issues beyond the theft itself like anxiety, fear and in some cases physical harm to retail workers.”

Paddy added: “Our members have reported that they are often faced with hardened career criminals in the stores and we know that retail workers are much more likely to be abused by those who are stealing to sell goods on.

“Our latest survey results show that two-thirds of retail workers suffered abuse from customers, with far too many experiencing threats and violence.

“Theft from shops and armed robbery were triggers for 60% of these incidents.”

In this week’s King’s Speech, the new Labour Government pledged to introduce a new crime bill aimed at targeting shoplifters.

As well as reversing a previous move to impose less serious punishments on people who stole goods worth less than £200, the bill is expected to create a specific offence of assaulting a shop worker.