Ryan FowlerThe UK government has launched a comprehensive initiative to address the growing concern of retail crime, with a special focus on protecting workers and high streets across the country. As part of this new crackdown, assaulting a retail worker will become a standalone criminal offence, reflecting the administration’s commitment to tackling this issue head-on.
Under the new measures, individuals found guilty of such assaults could face up to six months in prison, receive an unlimited fine, and be subjected to bans from the shops where they committed their crimes. Additionally, for the gravest cases, such as causing grievous bodily harm with intent, offenders might face life imprisonment.
This initiative comes after persistent calls for action from Matt Vickers MP and major retail entities, advocating for stronger protections for staff. Moreover, the government plans to clamp down on repeat offenders by requiring them to wear tags to monitor their movements, a strategy aimed at deterring further criminal activities.
Starting this month, amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill will mandate tagging for individuals convicted of assaulting staff three times or those found guilty of shoplifting on three separate occasions as part of any community sentence. A pilot program with a police force will also be launched to explore community sentencing measures further aimed at reducing shoplifting rates.
In an effort to prevent crimes before they occur, the government is increasing its investment in facial recognition technology, with a £55.5m fund over the next four years. This investment will support the deployment of mobile units equipped with live facial recognition technology to high streets, enhancing the police’s ability to identify and apprehend repeat offenders.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the government’s stance against retail crime, stating, “I am sending a message to those criminals – whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.”
Home Secretary James Cleverly and Crime and Policing Minister Chris Philp echoed the Prime Minister’s message, underlining the importance of a zero-tolerance approach to retail crime. The initiative also includes a new police team focused on organised retail crime, supported by a unique business and policing partnership known as ‘Pegasus’.
Industry leaders, including Paul Gerrard of The Co-op Group, Helen Dickinson of the British Retail Consortium, and Sharon White of the John Lewis Partnership, have welcomed the government’s announcement.
