Waitrose to supply police free espresso and discounted meals to discourage shoplifting

Waitrose and John Lewis are to supply cops free sizzling drinks and discounted meals to on-duty police in a bid to sort out shoplifting.

The upmarket outlets hope uniformed police and patrol automobiles being on website will deter thieves in the identical approach motorists decelerate on the roads after they see officers.

John Lewis Partnership, which owns the manufacturers, has written to the Police Federation to say officers can get free espresso if they create a reusable cup.

Neighborhood assist officers can even be capable of reap the benefits of the initiative, which John Lewis has named “thanks a latte”.

It comes as outlets report hovering ranges of crime – together with theft – amid the price of residing squeeze.

Co-op mentioned crime in its branches had hit file ranges and cited figures that police didn’t attend most retail offences.

About 1,000 circumstances of crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour had taken place in its outlets every day within the six months to June, the chain mentioned.

John Lewis, in the meantime, mentioned it has needed to improve spending on safety employees and guards to sort out shoplifting.

Nicki Juniper, head of safety for the John Lewis Partnership, mentioned: “Retail crime is a nationwide drawback and requires a nationwide answer.

“Simply having a police automobile parked exterior could make folks assume twice about shoplifting from our branches, or changing into aggressive in the direction of our companions [staff].”

Dame Sharon White, John Lewis chair, has additionally written to Suella Braverman, the house secretary, calling for harder motion on repeat offenders.

Total retail theft in England and Wales elevated by 26 per cent final 12 months, based on figures from the British Retail Consortium, which represents companies within the sector.

Some 850 incidents have been happening every day, with employees additionally being threatened – with weapons on some events – and going through bodily assault.

The Police Federation of England and Wales has been contacted for remark.