ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed commitments from Home Office Minister Victoria Atkins MP, to examine options for providing further protections for shopworkers from violence and abuse.
The call for evidence is intended to help strengthen the evidence base by understanding retailers’ experience of crime and to look at all options for addressing these crimes.
Chairing a meeting of the National Retail Crime Steering Group today (12th February) Victoria Atkins discussed proposals for a call to evidence. These include how to protect shopworkers from violence and abuse that often occurs from age-restricted sales.
ACS’ Crime Report estimates there were over 13,000 incidents of violence committed against retailers and staff over the last year, over a third of which resulted in injury and that enforcing age restrictions is one of the main flash points for violence and abuse.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “The safety of people working in local shops is our number one priority and we are determined that our work with the Home Office delivers lasting change and safer local shops.
“This includes securing a strong response from the police and criminal justice system to ensure offenders are brought to justice, and to send a clear message that violence against shop workers is not acceptable.”
ACS has produced an animation to help retailers and their staff manage and prevent violence and abuse in stores.
