Across the Pond Retail Theft & Violence Issues
Resources - Penalties & Legislative Battles Are the Same

UK - June 26th: Co-op calls for more protection for shopworkers as violence increases
Co-op is warning of a store crime epidemic unless the government urgently introduces new legislation to provide staff with greater protection.

The convenience retailer has seen store crime increase by more than 140% this year despite communities recognising the critical role played by key workers in society. Numbers of violent incidents have hit record levels with 1,350 attacks having been reported by mid-June.

Recent examples have seen shopworkers spat at and threatened with being ‘given coronavirus’.

Co-op is building awareness and support for MP Alex Norris’ Assault on Shop Workers Bill, as part of its Safer Colleagues, Safer Communities campaign, which has seen its second reading in Parliament postponed. The bill states that because shop workers have responsibilities to uphold the law on age-restricted products, they should be afforded greater protection in carrying out those public duties.

Hundreds of Co-op employees from around the UK have filmed short videos detailing their harrowing experiences and will be sharing these on social media, asking for MPs to show their support.

“We want the government to legislate for stiffer penalties for those who assault workers; a simple stand-alone offence that is widely recognised and understood by the public, police, CPS, the judiciary, and most importantly criminals. Retail staff have a crucial role in our communities and that role must be valued and respected, they deserve the protection of the law.” talkingretail.com

ACS Wants Tougher Penalties & More Police Resources
July 7th: UK Government to crack down on violence against shopworkers
The Home Secretary has today (7 July) set out plans to crack down on abuse and violence against shopworkers.

The plans, which are detailed in the Home Office’s response to a call for evidence on the issue, are designed to improve support for victims and ensure perpetrators face justice.

The crime and policing minister Kit Malthouse will write to PCCs and chief constables underscoring the importance of working closely with local businesses to tackle this issue and emphasising that the theft of goods valued up to £200 from a shop should be prosecuted as a criminal offence.

In addition, the government will work with the National Retail Crime Steering Group (NRCSG) on a best practice guide to support staff in reporting these crimes, strengthening and making full use of existing laws, and improving data sharing between businesses and the police.

The NFRN has welcomed the government’s commitment to act on its members’ concerns. National president, Stuart Reddish, said: “I am very pleased that the Federation’s campaign to highlight the weaknesses of having a £200 threshold for shop theft has been recognised by the government.”

However, the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) says urgent action is still needed on violence against shopworkers. Chief executive, James Lowman, said: “We are disappointed that it has taken the Home Office over a year to acknowledge the overwhelming body of evidence showing the extent of violence and abuse against shopworkers. Warm words and working groups are not enough; we need tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers and more police resource to stamp out violence.

“We welcome the focus on reviewing community sentences and urge the government deal with repeat shop thieves, especially through interventions to rehabilitate those with alcohol of drug dependency issues that trigger theft, violence and abuse of shopworkers. We are committed to working through the National Retail Crime Steering Group to make sure retailers and shopworkers are equipped to report every incident of crime to police and to send a clear message that violence and abuse is not part of the job.” talkingretail.com

July 8th: UK Home Office Pledges to Act To Protect Shopworkers After Crime Report

Co-op Food chief executive welcomes government’s pledge to protect shopworkers

Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op Food, has welcomed the government’s promise to act to protect shopworkers from the threat of violence and abuse.

Co-op has committed a further £70m over the next three years in innovative technology to keep staff safer, including SmartWater Fog Cannons, the latest remote monitored iCCTV, body cameras, and communication headsets for all frontline colleagues.

Whitfield said: “Supermarket and convenience stores colleagues have worked tirelessly to feed the nation at a time of crisis and we look forward to working closely with the Home Office to bring in measures to make shopworkers safer.” talkingretail.com