Co-op has introduced GPS trackers on certain meat products, including sausages, steak, and beef, in an effort to reduce shoplifting. The items are stored in plastic security boxes labelled with GPS trackers, which can only be removed after purchase. The chain reported a 21% drop in retail crime last year, attributing this to various security measures.
The GPS-tracked products include Co-op Irresistible Cumberland Sausages (400g, £3.90), British sirloin steak (£7), and Angus beef roasting joints (£20.90). An image of the sausages was shared by media personality Duncan Barkes, who commented on social media: 'Britain has fallen.'
Co-op stated that the tactic is not new and has contributed to a reduction in crime, alongside CCTV, body-worn cameras, fortified kiosks, and security cases. The chain also noted a 36% decrease in anti-social behaviour and a 31% drop in physical assaults.
Other supermarkets have also adopted similar measures. Tesco locks some meat in security boxes, and Waitrose uses security tags and lockable cabinets. The British Retail Consortium reported 5.5 million detected shoplifting incidents last year, while ONS figures show 509,566 shoplifting offences in 2025, down 1% from 2024.
