Tesco unveils security hub to fight shoplifting crimewave

Tesco is hailing a “huge step forward” in the war against store crime with the launch of a new high-tech security hub to target shoplifters and violence against staff.

A team at the centre in Daventry, Northamptonshire, will hunt criminals targeting Tesco stores amid growing concern over the huge cost of shoplifting to supermarkets and incidents of violence against store workers.

Tesco said the multimillion-pound centre was part of a major investment to keep its staff and customers safe, along with other measures it has introduced including equipping staff with bodyworn cameras, the installation of protective screens, and the rollout of door entry systems at store entrances.

It said the Daventry centre will analyse thousands of hours of CCTV footage with a dedicated team of experts operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

It said the facility, which sees security operators given responsibility for monitoring specific groups of stores across the UK, was sharing the intelligence and collaborating with police forces across the country.

According to the BRC’s 2024 crime survey, losses from customer theft are costing retailers £1.8bn per year.

Speaking last year, Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said the retailer was spending tens of millions of pounds on “necessary measures” to fight crime but warned “they are still not enough”.

Tesco has led calls for the government and police to do more to tackle crime.

However, Emma Sparrock, UK security operations centre lead, said the new centre was a big upgrade in Tesco’s own capability to target criminals.

“This is a huge step forward, and we’re feeling motivated and ready for the new challenges ahead. Our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our colleagues and customers has never been stronger,” she posted on LinkedIn.

“This move is a symbol of our team’s growth, and we’re ready to face what lies ahead with a renewed sense of purpose and determination.”

A Tesco spokesman told The Grocer: “Our colleagues work hard to serve our customers every day, and every member of our team deserves to feel safe at work. We continue to invest in the latest technology, resources and training for our expert team in our security hub. This team is dedicated to joining up evidence and supporting the police to tackle crime, helping to keep our colleagues and customers safe.”