BRC respond to publication of Crime and Policing Bill

Responding to introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill to Parliament, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said:

“With our most recent survey showing retail crime spiralling out of control, it is clear that we need action to both protect our retail colleagues from harm and tackle the surge in theft. The proposed measures in the Bill are vital steps in stamping out violence against retail workers, and getting a handle on shoplifting. A standalone offence will improve the visibility of the issue so that police can allocate appropriate resources to the challenge, and to act as a deterrent to would-be offenders. 

“The Bill needs to protect all retail staff working in customer facing roles, such as delivery drivers. Violence and abuse is not restricted to those working in stores, delivery drivers are equally subjected to abuse, physical violence, and threats with weapons. As a result, retailers are having to equip their drivers with protective measures, such as personal safety devices to alert the police of their whereabouts, and DNA spit testing kits. We hope to see this addressed as the Bill makes its way through Parliament.”