UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper calls on more retailers to adopt Auror crime prevention technology

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has urged more UK retailers to use the Auror retail crime intelligence platform as she launches a police campaign to target shoplifting.

In a LinkedIn post, Joe Champness, Law Enforcement Success Manager at Auror, said: “Retail crime is organised, tackling it takes a connected network with a shared purpose. That network includes retailers, law enforcement, and government leaders all working together to make meaningful change.”

“Today, the UK Home Secretary called on more retailers to adopt Auror and an emphasis on the police to use the platform to help address retail crime and anti-social behaviour. Devon and Cornwall Police under the leadership of Chris Chaloner have been leading the way. Since launching Auror, they have seen an incredible 8.8% increase in charges for shoplifting crimes reported through the platform compared to shoplifting crimes reported through traditional means.”

He added: “Retailers like Boots, BP, Greggs, Morrisons, and M&S, are seeing results in partnership like never before. These partnerships are revolutionising how retail crime is identified, investigated, and stopped. This is about sharing data, responsibility, building trust, and acting as one network. This is what happens when retailers and police connect through one purpose built platform. The results speak for themselves.”

Funding round

In November of last year, Auror announced the close of a NZ$82 million Series C capital raise. 

This was led by Axon Enterprise, W23 Global, and Reinventure. Auror is using the cash to continue its growth into North America and the UK, along with additional R&D investment.

CEO and Co-founder, Phil Thomson, said: “Our mission remains the same - connecting communities to stop crime; and this latest raise allows us to continue our work around the world, using technology to tackle retail crime at scale, bringing retailers and law enforcement together, and making our communities safer.” 

Axon CEO Axon Founder and CEO, Rick Smith, commented: “Axon’s mission to protect life extends beyond public safety - to workplaces where frontline workers face real threats. By partnering with the company, a pioneer in retail crime intelligence and incident management solutions, we can strengthen collaboration between retail and law enforcement to help build safer communities for all.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail security will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.