Usdaw urges Labour to continue to tackle retail crime

Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary says: “Retail crime remains at very high levels, as demonstrated by these latest police recorded crime statistics. While there has been a welcome small decrease across last year, the fact is retail crime continues to be a significant issue for the sector and, particularly, staff. Usdaw’s last survey found that this is in no way a victimless crime, with two-thirds of attacks on retail staff being triggered by theft or armed robbery. Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers. 

“We have campaigned along with many retail employers for substantial legislative measures to combat this growing problem and we are pleased that the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill has almost completed its passage through Parliament. The Conservatives persistently refused to legislate to protect retail workers and effectively provided an open invitation to retail criminals. Labour immediately set about tackling the issue and we are now starting to see the results of their investment in policing and funding for more uniformed officer patrols in shopping areas.

“The Bill delivers a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law; ends the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters and introduces Respect Orders for offenders. Labour has also started the process of reforming police services to put a greater focus on local crime and provide a Local Policing Guarantee. It is our hope that these new measures will help give retail workers the respect they deserve.”