NRCSG against shop worker abuse and violence - practical solutions and resources
The National Retail Crime Steering Group, co-chaired by the BRC and Home Office Minister for Crime and Policing, Kit Malthouse MP brings together retailers, government officials, police, and trade associations to work together to combat retail crime especially crimes of violence against shop workers.
Violence and abuse against retail staff is at a record high with over 400 incidents per day. With the need to encourage customers to wear face coverings and observe social distancing, this figure has only increased during the pandemic. Before Covid-19, the Government issued a call for evidence to assess the situation. Many responses supported a new offence of abuse and violence towards shop workers, similar to the new law in Scotland. While the Government rejected the call for a new offence, the Policing Minister set up four task and finish groups to look at specific issues.
Retailers, the police, and other stakeholders have now worked together to produce practical solutions and resources to help reduce the number of violent and abusive incidents. The work has been welcomed and endorsed by the Home Office and was discussed during a webinar with the Minister for Crime and Policing, retailers and policing professionals.