Tesco is set to roll out a groundbreaking crime reporting platform in 40 of its supermarkets starting Monday, January 26, as part of a 10-week trial aimed at tackling the rise in retail crime. This initiative comes in response to alarming statistics: police-recorded shoplifting offenses in England and Wales soared to 516,000 in the year ending December 2024, marking the highest figures since 2003 and a 20 percent increase from the previous year.
Beyond theft, Tesco is addressing the surge in violence, threats, and abuse directed at staff and customers. In fact, over 2,000 incidents of such behavior were reported daily in 2023–24, often tied to attempts to confront shoplifters. Recognizing the urgent need for improved safety measures, Tesco has partnered with Auror, a crime reporting platform already trusted by several supermarket chains and police forces.
The Auror platform streamlines incident reporting, enabling Tesco employees to quickly document security concerns. This tool is designed to identify repeat offenders and support police investigations, helping to create a safer shopping environment.
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The trial will take place across stores in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Rachel Bennett, Tesco’s Security Director, emphasized the company’s commitment: “Our investment in safety ensures we lead the fight against retail crime and promote collaboration across the retail industry to deter offenders.”
An Auror spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating: “We’re delighted to work with Tesco to enhance store safety and tackle violent and organized retail crime effectively.”
This proactive step by Tesco illustrates the retailer’s dedication to protecting its teams and customers while addressing a growing national issue.