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Network Journal Issue 04 |
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Warning as festive season brings increased dangers
Shopworkers across Britain will face a very unwelcome tradition this Christmas - a surge in crime and genuine fears of being physically assaulted or verbally abused.
In the six-weeks from mid-November to Christmas, around 80,000 shoplifters are arrested nationwide, while goods worth £447 million are stolen. Retail crime doubles during the sector's busiest period, according to the Centre for Retail Research in Nottingham.
However, the economic cost hides a more important issue - shopworkers' real fears that they will be victims of armed robberies, physical attack or verbal abuse, as retail crime escalates during the festive season.
Usdaw Deputy General Secretary John Hannett said: "Christmas is a busy time for shopworkers, but these figures clearly show that thieves increase their activity considerably as well. Shopworkers are on the frontline, facing real danger in the retail workplace.
"Retail crime is often viewed as a victimless crime, but that is untrue. Behind many cases of crimes in shops are distressing stories of physical attack, violent threats and verbal abuse. It is a daily occurrence for many Usdaw members. Shopworkers should always leave the crime-fighting to the police or security staff but, through no fault of their own, they often become victims.
"Usdaw is determined that these victims get their voice. The union is committed to working with the police, retailers and the Government to achieve greater safety for shopworkers."
For further information visit www.usdaw.org.uk/campaigns/freedom_from_fear/
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