The Shadow Home Secretary has presented a range of measures aimed at addressing the current epidemic of shoplifting and the increasing incidents of violence, threats, and abuse against shopworkers. This comprehensive plan includes eliminating the notion that incidents of theft under £200 are not investigated, implementing respect orders to prohibit repeat offenders from town centers and high streets, and deploying an additional 13,000 neighborhood police officers and PCSOs to ensure safer streets and instill a sense of security among the public.
During her speech, Cooper emphasized the importance of supporting various retail entities including USDAW, the Coop, Tesco, and other convenience stores. She expressed the necessity of enacting new legislation and imposing stricter sentences for attacks on shopworkers, as everyone deserves a safe working environment.
Speaking on behalf of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson, CEO, called for action in protecting retail colleagues, as currently, over 850 incidents of violence or abuse occur daily. She applauded the commitment of the Labour Party and the Shadow Home Secretary to introduce a new law specifically focused on safeguarding retail workers from violence and abuse. Dickinson stressed the need for a separate offense to highlight the issue prominently, leading to the appropriate allocation of police resources and acting as a deterrent to potential offenders.
She further emphasized that this approach would send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated. The right to feel safe at work is a fundamental right that must be upheld. Dickinson also emphasized the urgency to address the alarming issue of retail theft, which accounts for an annual cost of nearly £1 billion. The retail industry welcomes Yvette Cooper’s determination to tackle the issue of shoplifting comprehensively, considering the concerns of the sector.
ACS, in partnership with the Home Office and major high street retailers, is actively involved in the ShopKind campaign. This initiative aims to remind customers about the significance of treating employees in convenience stores and other retail businesses with civility. James Lowman, Chief Executive of ACS, stressed the importance of effective penalties in combating retail crime, a cause they have long advocated for. Lowman noted that for the penalties to be implemented successfully, it is crucial for the police to thoroughly investigate every incident and pursue those responsible for abusing and intimidating shopworkers and retailers.
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis expressed his satisfaction with Yvette Cooper’s commitment to deliver on the goals of Usdaw’s longstanding ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign. This campaign seeks to prevent violence, threats, and abuse against shopworkers. Lillis assured members that, as the next Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper will lead from the front and accomplish the campaign’s objectives. This includes increasing the number of neighborhood police officers by 13,000 with guaranteed patrols in town centers, implementing Respect Orders to prohibit frequent offenders from town centers, introducing a standalone offense for assaulting a public service worker, and abolishing the £200 threshold for investigating and prosecuting shop theft.
Lillis stressed the significance of these policies in addressing the escalating incidents of theft from shops and highlighted the fact that Usdaw’s annual survey revealed that a third of incidents involving violence, threats, and abuse against shopworkers were triggered by theft, illustrating the impact of shoplifting extends beyond mere financial losses.
