Local shops need a consistent response to crime

In its submission to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) consultation, ACS called for a thematic review of police forces’ response to incidents of violence and abuse committed against the retail sector to promote an effective and consistent approach to tackling crime against local shops. ACS’ evidence highlights that 40% of convenience retailers saw an increase in violence abuse during the pandemic.

ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said: “Crime has become an even bigger challenge for local shops as we implement rules on face coverings and social distancing, on top of the challenges of operating in isolated areas and in a society where drug and alcohol addiction fuels acquisitive crime against our members. All crime, and especially violent incidents, have a significant financial impact but more importantly are devastating for the colleagues affected.

“We need a consistent response to these incidents across all police forces to send a clear message to perpetrators that retail crime is never acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

The 2020 Crime Report shows that 83% of people who work in the convenience sector have been subjected to verbal abuse over the last year and there were over 50,000 incidents of violence estimated in the sector, with 25% of incidents resulting in injury.