An M&S store hosted Labour MP Angela Rayner yesterday to share how crime intelligence gathering is helping staff feel safer.
Rayner visited M&S’s Ashton Moss store to hear how the crime intelligence and reporting platform Auror has contributed to a 40% reduction in incidents of violence and aggression.
New Zealand-based Auror keeps records of potential crimes in stores and collaborates with police on enforcement. The software platform helps retailers and police connect repeat offenders and organised crime groups to what might otherwise be thought of as one-off offences. Along with M&S, Auror’s UK customers include Morrisons, Home Bargains and Holland & Barrett.
“Working in partnership with the police, other retailers and Auror makes a massive difference to our ability to prevent crime and knowing that we have the support of this technology helps our colleagues and customers feel safer in stores,” said M&S store manager Sarah Hofstetter.
Rayner said: “Shopworkers should never have to go to work fearing for their safety, yet far too many are facing violence, abuse and intimidation on a daily basis.
“That’s why it’s so important we support practical solutions that help police and retailers work together more effectively to tackle crime and bring repeat offenders to justice.
“By using technology to identify patterns, target the most harmful individuals and share information quickly, we can make our high streets safer for workers, businesses and communities alike.
“This kind of partnership working is exactly what we need to crack down on organised retail crime and ensure offenders are held accountable.”
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Auror UK & Ireland director of law enforcement Paul Fagg, who was also present, said: “UK retailers like M&S are doing a fantastic job in coming together with other retailers within the Auror network to surface the full scale and severity of the retail crime problem we’re up against.
“These insights help retailers make informed decisions to keep their people safe, while also identifying the highest harm, violent and prolific offenders.”
Police and retailers have used Auror to uncover organised crime groups including one responsible for 80 events totalling £264k, according to the software company.
Fagg, who is also a former Met Police officer, said it enabled police and retailers to “deal with high-volume crime at scale, connect what would previously be considered one-off crime events and use that insight to focus precious resources on the top offenders”.
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