Usdaw backs demands to cut retail crime

Shopworkers’ union, Usdaw, is backing the British Retail Consortium (BRC)’s demands to cut retail crime.

The BRC’s Retail Crime Survey 2008, published today, shows that incidents of shoplifting and violence against shopworkers are down. But there is still a theft from a shop every 90 seconds. The BRC also suggests that a likely result of the economic downturn would be an increase in theft, burglary and violence.

Usdaw is echoing the BRC recommendations, which include ending the misuse of Penalty Notices for Disorder and raising the understanding of local police officers for dealing with fraud and the growth of online crime.

John Hannett, Usdaw General Secretary, said:

“We welcome the fact that the number of incidents of shoplifting and violence against shopworkers has come down, and the joint working between the BRC, government, employers and Usdaw is making a real difference.

“Contrary to what many people believe, shoplifting is not a victimless crime. In fact, many incidents of abuse, both verbal and physical, against shopworkers is caused when they confront people stealing from their stores.

“Usdaw takes shoplifting very seriously and we are calling on the authorities to do the same. In areas where the police work closely with local stores and recognise the seriousness of shoplifting, the safety of shopworkers is much improved.

“3-7 November is Usdaw’s Respect Week, where we will be highlighting the issue of abuse against shopworkers. I am pleased that the BRC recognised the contribution of Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign has made so far and hope that the continuation of our campaign will make people think again before abusing retail staff.”

Notes to Editors:

• Contacts for newsdesks: Usdaw’s Media Officer, Cherry Hamilton, can be contacted on 0161 249 2469 or e-mail cherry.hamilton@usdaw.org.uk
• Usdaw (the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK’s fourth biggest trade union, with over 368,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
• More information and news releases are available at our online Newsroom.
• Subscribe/unsubscribe to Usdaw news releases via our online e-news service at: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/site/email.html

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