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Never a victimless crimeKim Higgins and Tousif Ahmed share their experiences of retail violence. Kim HigginsPart-time shop assistant Kim Higgins, 47, was left feeling anxious and vulnerable and was off work for five weeks after being attacked by a female customer in her store."I'd say I was quite a tough person but the whole ordeal left me feeling shaken and edgy," said Kim. "I couldn't bear to leave the house for weeks because I thought she might be watching me. "I was surprised how it all affected me. It was a while before I stopped looking over my shoulder." The incident happened in July 2006. "I noticed a woman taking sips from bottles of wine and then putting them back on the shelf. She did this several times. "I asked her to stop and she gave me a mouthful of abuse. I called security. I thought that was the end of the matter so I went back to work. But the woman returned shouting and swearing and then she slapped me across the face. "The case went to court and the woman was charged with Actual Bodily Harm and ordered to pay me £50 in compensation. "Usdaw also helped me to put a claim in with the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and I was awarded £1,000. I was very grateful for the union's support."
Tousif AhmedGeneral assistant Tousif Ahmed was left bleeding and traumatised after he was stabbed when he was a victim of a violent attack in his store.It happened in August 2005. "I saw three men in hoodies come into the store," said Tousif, 27. "I recognised one of them because earlier he was seen trying to steal petrol from the forecourt. "They then started having a go at the security guard who called for help and I went over. "They were swearing and making racist remarks, saying they were going to get me because of the earlier incident. It was very frightening. "The next thing I remember is one of them coming at me with a knife. I put my right hand up to protect myself and was stabbed, the men ran away. "I'm back at work now but in another store. I still feel afraid and anxious and I'm worried it might happen again. I'm worried to leave the house. I'm forever looking over my shoulder thinking they're going to get me. "The union supported me with a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and I was awarded £1,000 in compensation."  Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
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