Sharp Rise in Violence and Abuse Against UK Retail Workers: A Step Towards Protection
- Catch A Thief UK
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 25
The UK Government is set to publish its Crime and Policing Bill tomorrow, introducing a comprehensive range of measures aimed at enhancing public safety and strengthening law enforcement. This legislation addresses various pressing issues, including the protection of retail workers, the safeguarding of children from exploitation, and the empowerment of police forces to tackle emerging criminal activities.
Protection for Retail Workers
A significant aspect of the bill is the creation of a standalone offence for assaulting or abusing shop workers. This move comes in response to a sharp rise in violence and abuse in UK retail stores, with organisations like the Co-op and the Usdaw union advocating for better legal protections over the past eight years. The new offence aims to ensure improved police responses and enhanced safety for retail employees.
Safeguarding Children from Exploitation
The bill introduces specific offences targeting the exploitation of children by criminal gangs, particularly in "county lines" drug operations. These measures make it illegal to use children for criminal activities, with offenders facing up to ten years in prison. Additionally, Child Criminal Exploitation Prevention Orders will enable authorities to restrict criminals' access to children and certain areas, aiming to disrupt the cycle of exploitation. The legislation also addresses "cuckooing," where criminals take over the homes of vulnerable individuals to conduct illicit activities, imposing severe penalties on those involved. (The Guardian)
Empowering Law Enforcement
To combat the rising incidence of vehicle thefts, the bill proposes a ban on car signal jammers—devices used by thieves to disrupt remote key signals. Possession of such equipment could result in up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine. This measure aims to deter criminals and support police efforts in reducing car-related crimes. (The Scottish Sun)
The legislation also seeks to enhance community policing by rebuilding neighbourhood policing teams. Plans include deploying an additional 13,000 police officers, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and special constables to local communities. This initiative is designed to restore effective and visible policing, ensuring that officers are present and accessible within neighbourhoods. (Local Government)
Addressing Emerging Threats
Recognising the evolving nature of crime, the bill criminalises the creation and distribution of non-consensual intimate images, including "deepfake" content. Offenders could face up to two years in prison, and online platforms will be required to implement measures to prevent the dissemination of such material. (Digital Policy Alert)
Furthermore, the bill proposes a crackdown on anti-social behaviour by introducing "Respect Orders" to tackle persistent offenders. These orders will grant courts the authority to impose wide-ranging restrictions on individuals engaging in disruptive activities, with breaches resulting in criminal charges and potential imprisonment. (Parliament Questions and Statements)
Farrah McNutt, Retail Security Expert, Campaigner, Founder of Catch a Thief UK said, "Some good news at last and about time too. Over the past 10 years along with many of my security peers and retail members in the industry have campaigned tirelessly against all forms of retail crime. With the staggering amount of physical and verbal abuse of more than 500 incidents of violence and abuse reported daily the news couldn't have come sooner, enough is enough. Nobody should have to go to work and feel threatened or abused.
The Governments new Policing and Crime Bill is a big step forward in the right direction. My retail members have welcomed the new bill with sighs of relief.
There is still lots of important work to do and I can not wait to see this being filtered through, along we the reverseal of the £200 theft threshold will give the police the powers to do what they have to do and significantly reduce retail crime".
Paul Gerrard·1st Campaigns, Public Affairs & Policy Director at the Co-op via a LinkedIn post said, "Tomorrow, the Government will publish its Crime and Policing Bill, which will include legislation to establish a standalone offence for attacking or abusing a shopworker. This marks a significant milestone in an eight-year campaign led by the Co-op, during which we have engaged with hundreds of MPs, conducted thousands of interviews, provided evidence to Parliament at every opportunity, and become the leading voice in the retail sector on this issue.
As with all our campaigns, we have worked in partnership, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with Paddy Lillis and the Usdaw union to drive this forward. While it is crucial to ensure that criminal justice interventions are appropriate—sometimes requiring custodial sentences but often taking other forms—experience in Scotland has shown that introducing a standalone offence leads to improved police responses and greater protection for shopworkers.
Ultimately, our goal has always been to keep our colleagues safe, and this legislation is a vital step in achieving that. After eight years of tireless advocacy, it is incredibly rewarding to hear the Policing Minister acknowledge both Usdaw and the Co-op as key drivers behind this crucial change".
Overall, the Crime and Policing Bill represents a robust effort by the UK Government to address contemporary challenges in law enforcement and public safety, aiming to create safer communities through targeted legislative action.
Check out the work Project Pegasus is doing with major retailers tackling organised retail criminial gangs across the United Kingdom. Project Pegasus consists of the Police, Retailers, Community and Retail crime prevention partnership and security organisations such as Mitie.
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