Co-op has revealed a £40m hit from shoplifting in the first half of the year as it said criminals were becoming “more brazen” in its stores. The retailer said that costs incurred from theft were up 19pc in the first six months of the financial year,

One of Britain’s best-known food retailers has reported a sharp jump in the cost of theft from its stores as the country struggles with widespread shoplifting.

The member-owned mutual has spent £18 million so far this year on measures to help protect staff in its food business.

Despite precautions such as body-worn cameras, fortified kiosks and a change in the law, shoplifting continues to rise

The Co-operative Group has laid bare the rising impact of shoplifting as it said the cost of crime in its stores surged by nearly a fifth to £40 million in the first half of the year alone.

One of Britain’s best-known food retailers has reported a sharp jump in the cost of theft from its stores as the country struggles with widespread shoplifting. The Co-Op Group said Thursday that theft and fraud cost it almost £40 million ($52.9 million) in the first half, up from £33 million a year earlier.

The retail-to-funerals business reported pre-tax profits of £58 million for the first six months of 2024, against losses of £33 million a year ago.