SHOPWORKERS are eager for the Labour government to deliver on its promises to tackle the growing “epidemic” of retail crime, Usdaw said today.
General secretary Paddy Lillis’s comments followed a former £300-a-day shoplifter telling the BBC how he “stole to order” from shops every day to supply other businesses in the Leeds area.
Mr Lillis said that a 30 per cent increase in shoplifting in the last year was “further evidence that we are facing an epidemic of retail crime, which is hugely concerning.”
He added: “Usdaw has long called for action that includes a stand-alone offence for assaulting a shopworker, which was vehemently opposed by Conservative MPs on many occasions.
“We are delighted to now have a new Labour government that has already included key measures in their legislative programme announced in the King’s Speech.
“We now look forward to Labour delivering a much-needed protection of shop workers’ law, ending the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters — which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals — and funding more uniformed officers patrolling shopping areas, along with town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
“It is our hope that these new measures will help give shopworkers the respect they deserve.”
A recent survey of the retail union’s members heard accounts of shop staff being attacked with machetes and receiving daily abuse from youths.
One response read: “Man spat on me when I confronted him for trying to steal coffee from us.
“Get drunk people who try to steal, swearing at myself and other colleagues.”
Another said: “Abuse from youths on a daily basis — threats and violence from shoplifters under the influence of drink and drugs.”
The National Police Chiefs Council has said that it is “almost impossible” to trace most shoplifted goods, while insisting that it is focused on making sure those involved are brought to justice.
The Home Office said it was bringing back neighbourhood policing, as the record levels of shoplifting “cannot go on.”
A spokeswoman added: “We will introduce a new specific offence for assaulting retail workers, ensuring they are protected from abuse and violence, and will end the effective immunity for shoplifting of goods under £200 to remove the perception that those committing low-value shop theft will escape punishment.”
