Co-Op boss says shoplifting gangs are stealing entire DEPARTMENTS because police attend less than a quarter of call-outs - as Nisa urges the government not to forget independent retailers and coalitio

Supermarket staff are facing an increasing amount of abuse from shoplifters attempting to steal entire sections of shops, as bosses call on the police to take greater action. Mr Gerrard criticised the police response to these cases, claiming it facilitated for the increased numbers of shoplifters seen in recent times, after findings revealed they did not respond to 76% of serious retail crimes reported. Paul Gerrard, director of public affairs at the Co-op, claimed that thiefs were regularly entering his stores and attempting to take large quantities of meat, spirits and other high-valued items A Freedom of Information request by the Co-op found that the police did not respond to 76 per cent of serious retail crimes reported He told the BBC Radio Four Today Program: 'My colleagues would say they are not seeing individuals coming in to steal a loaf of bread and a pint of milk to feed themselves. Despite the actions, a Freedom of Information request by the Co-op found that the police did not respond to 76 per cent of serious retail crimes reported. Wholesalers Nisa has also urged the government not to forget about independent retailers in its clampdown of shoplifting A new map created by MailOnline shows the 10 worst affected areas for shoplifting across the country Mr Gerrard said: ‘I’m afraid they feel they can get away with it.