Retail workers deserve respect – local MP backs new action to protect shop staff

The report by shopworkers’ union USDAW found that 71% of retail staff have been verbally abused and 9% physically assaulted over the past year, often linked to shoplifting.

Across Bedfordshire shopworkers described incidents of intimidation and violence. One local said they often faced “intoxicated customers” while shockingly another reported being “threatened with a crowbar.”

Bedfordshire Police has tripled its shoplifting solve rate following a major crackdown, but with around 300 offences every month, the force say levels remain high.

Local MP Alex Mayer said: “I have spoken to shop workers across Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Houghton Regis about the impact of shoplifting and the unacceptable violence that comes alongside the crime. No one should face abuse or violence for simply doing their job.”

Ms Mayer welcomed the new measures in the Government’s Crime and Policing Bill which she voted for in June. The new laws are now being considered by the House of Lords. Then MPs will get the final say shortly.

Tough new measures include introducing Respect Orders to clamp down on persistent antisocial offenders.

There are plans to create a new offence of assaulting a retail worker, recognising everyone’s right to feel safe at work.

If a stolen item that is tagged has been located electronically, police will get new powers to search the property they suspect it to be at without a warrant.

Importantly, the Government plans to scrap the “£200 theft threshold” which is a change Ms Mayer has long called for. Since 2014, thefts under that value have been treated less seriously and criminals have exploited the loophole in the law.

The MP continued: “For the last decade, shoplifting has been brushed aside as low-level crime. That attitude ends now. There is a long way to go and this won't change everything but I believe these are real, practical steps that will help to make a difference."