The UK is undergoing an unprecedented government initiative to curb the rising levels of retail crime and violence against the workforce. Proposed measures include not only tougher punitive measures, but also advanced technological interventions.
A Steadfast Stance Against Retail Crime
First Minister Rishi Sunak's UK government has unveiled plans to make assaulting retail employees a separate criminal offence in England and Wales. This follows an existing law in Scotland, demonstrating the government's commitment to providing a safer working environment for retail employees across the country.
Under the new regulations, offenders face prison sentences of up to six months, unlimited fines and a ban on re-entering the shop where the offence was committed. Such severe penalties are part of a wider plan to deter criminals from targeting retail establishments and their staff.
On top of legal deterrents, the government is also looking at technological solutions to tackle retail crime. For example, delinquents could be required to wear tracking devices, which would allow law enforcement agencies to follow their movements more closely.
In addition, the government plans to increase the use of live facial recognition technology to identify and apprehend suspects more effectively.
A Response to Increasing Retail Crime
This regulatory policy response comes as retailers across the UK are increasingly protesting about the sharp rise in retail crime. More theft and violence has not only put staff at risk, but has also put a strain on business profitability.
British Retail Consortium, which represents over 200 large UK businesses, has reported a worrying rise in violence and abuse against retail staff. Incidents have risen from nearly 870 a day to more than 1,000 a day in the 12 months to August 2023. Similarly, the cost of theft has doubled to £1.8 billion, with over 45,000 incidents reported every day.
Mr Sunak declared he was "sending a message to those criminals out there whether they are organised gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves and think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shop staff: enough is enough".
This crackdown on retail crime is part of a wider initiative, the Retail Crime Action Plan, launched by the police and government in October. The overall strategy aims to tackle rising levels of retail crime in the UK.
The Retail industry has broadly welcomed the government's announcement. British Retail Consortium chief executive Helen Dickinson pointed out that victims of retail violence are often ordinary, hard-working people.
Paul Gerrard of Co-op echoed this sentiment, expressing the hope that these measures would significantly improve the safety of retail employees.