Co-op shop sacks Norwich worker for challenging shoplifters

Damion Moon had run-ins on three separate occasions with shoplifters at the East of England Co-op in Hall Road, in Lakenham, even blocking the shop's exit in one instance.

Despite working at the branch for seven and a half years, all the way up to team manager, the company dismissed Mr Moon on May 15 for "serious breach of security policies and procedures".

The 33-year-old, from Long Stratton, is "disgusted" that instead of being supported after what happened, he has been penalised - but Co-op said it prioritises "people over property".

Mr Moon said: "It's really bad with shoplifters - it's something everyone has to deal with on a constant basis but I was fired for not standing back and leaving them.

"The first time it happened a lady filled a bag full of wine and my colleague tried to stop her at the door.

"Then a week later a drunk man got behind the kiosk filling his coat with tobacco - I got behind to reason with him to leave and the last time I took about three steps outside to tell someone I was reporting them.

Damion Moon, 33, said the treatment by his former employer was disgusting (Image: Damion Moon)

"But Co-op were just so cold in how they handled it - said I was fired and walked me out the door - like I was one of the criminals.

"It's disgusting really - there's no mandatory training for when you receive drunken or abusive behaviour.

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"People can just walk in, steal whatever they want and leave again - there's nothing stopping a big group coming in and ransacking the place.

"But if you try to actually help protect the shop or anyone, you get dismissed."

East of England Co-op in Hall Road (Image: Google Maps)

The three incidents happened between March 16 and 29, leading to a disciplinary hearing focused on "serious breaches" of security policy and procedures and failure to follow a reasonable management request.

An East of England Co-op spokeswoman said: "While we're unable to comment on individual cases, we prioritise people over property.

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"The safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and customers is one of our top priorities, and our policies are designed to protect them both.

"Failing to follow these procedures can put everyone at risk.

"We regularly remind our colleagues of these policies and the support available to them, but they shouldn't put themselves, or others, in harm’s way when dealing with shoplifting."

Norfolk's record shoplifting increase

Shop staff are finding themselves on the frontline of both increasingly brazen gangs and persistent repeat offenders. 

The latest Office for National Statistics figures show there were 4,803 shoplifting offences recorded by Norfolk Constabulary in 2023.

This was a 30pc increase, from 3,686 offences in 2022 and the highest since comparable records began in 2003.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics figures showed there were 4,803 shoplifting offences recorded by Norfolk Constabulary in 2023 - a 30pc increase on the previous year (Image: PA)

Last year independent shops, such as Sinsins Boutique of Love, in St Benedicts Street, warned that Norwich was turning into the "wild west" as they pleaded with police to do more.

However, Norfolk police said it has the country's highest detection rate for shoplifting.

The trend is reflected nationally with shoplifting offences recorded by police in England and Wales soaring to the highest level in 20 years.

A total of 430,104 offences were recorded in the year to December 2023, up 37pc on the previous 12 months.

The Co-op also reported a huge 44pc annual rise nationally, to 336,270 incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour across its 2,400 stores.