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Arena Magazine Issue 04 |
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Mark battles on despite attack
Attack victim Mark Duckworth was assaulted at work by a shoplifter, in 2001, leaving him with a serious leg injury. However, it hasn’t stopped him becoming one of the union’s most vocal and energetic campaigners for Freedom From Fear.
When night manager Mark Duckworth heard Usdaw was calling for more police protection for shopworkers, government support, and better security measures in stores, he could not wait to get involved.
Three years in retail had exposed Mark to countless incidents of verbal abuse, threats and physical attacks. He was determined to do something about it - especially after he was attacked by a repeat shoplifter in January 2001.
"A colleague and I apprehended a well-known thief in our Peterborough store," said Mark. "Then this guy lashed out at us and, in the resulting scuffle, I sustained a fractured knee. I've been off work for months."
Since the launch of Freedom From Fear, Mark has worked with his local union officials, constituency MP Helen Clarke, had letters printed in the local Cambridgeshire press, and helped organise tv coverage to raise awareness of the issue.
"This campaign was just asking to be launched," said Mark. "I think the police have a much bigger role to play in retail crime. Too often it's not taken seriously enough by the local force. I know from speaking to other shop staff that this is a common feature throughout the UK.
"I'm currently pursuing a claim, with Usdaw's help, through the criminal injuries compensation scheme. Again the failings of this scheme form part of our campaign. I'd urge all shopworkers to get involved. We know the problems we all face. It's a vital campaign and well worth our support."
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