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

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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.

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,

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