Co-op to track stolen items with forensic spray amid crime crackdown

Co-op Group has begun trialling invisible ‘forensic spray’ to track frequently stolen items – such as alcohol and detergent – with a unique code.

According to the retailer, this spray aids police in tracing stolen stock back to specific stores when found in secondary markets.  

The national rollout, which follows successful trials in London and Manchester, coincides with the Bill receiving Royal Assent yesterday (29 April), which ends the £200 threshold for shop theft and makes the assault of a retail worker a specific criminal offence.

During 2025, Co-op saw a 21% decrease in retail crime, which it attributed to technology investments and increased police attendance. Physical attacks on its staff also reduced by 32% over the same period, while incidents of anti-social behaviour dropped by 36%. 

It comes as the Co-op spent eight years campaigning for the legislative changes alongside unions and members. At the peak of the recent rise in shop-related offences, an average of three to four Co-op staff were attacked or assaulted every day.

Paul Gerrard, director of campaigns, public affairs and police at 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’.

“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.”