Police and retailers must ‘work more closely’ to tackle violence against shopworkers

By Liz Wells in Industry News 14th April 2021

The Association of Convenience of Stores has given evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee on the government’s and policing response to incidents of violence and abuse of shopworkers, calling for urgent action to protect retail workers.

In the evidence session, ACS reiterated the recommendations in its written submission, which include:

A comprehensive review of the out of court disposals system to tackle the root causes of offending instead of issuing ineffective fines to repeat offenders.
New legislation is needed to protect retail workers and send a clear message that violence against people working in stores will not be tolerated.
The Home Office should focus on visible community policing and improving local forces’ ability to respond to retail violence.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, told the committee: “We need police forces to put more focus on violence and abuse and acquisitive crime faced by local shops. This can only be achieved if police and crime commissioners acknowledge and address the problem at a local level and give police forces the resources they need to respond.

“The problem of violence and abuse against colleagues working in our sector is getting worse, not better and enough is enough. The government needs to take urgent action to protect shopworkers and to send the clear message that violent and abusive behaviour is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”