By Natasha Wynarczyk Co-op is using AI to tackle shoplifting and protect staff after a 44% hike in retail crime last year. The firm recorded 336,270 cases of theft, abuse and anti-social behaviour across its 2,400 stores in 2023. There were more than 1,325 assaults, up 34% on 2022, the equivalent of four staff being attacked each day. Undercover guards detained 3,361 criminals last year. Matt Hood, Co-op managing director of food, said thieves jump till counters three times a week in some stores to steal booze and cigarettes. The firm said it is now using AI to monitor self-checkouts and insta…