Marvin OnumonuMerseyside Police has partnered with the Retail Trust to launch a scheme to tackle abuse, violence and intimidation of shop workers in Liverpool.
The programme aims to give workers more tools and confidence to safely manage and recover from violent and confrontational situations, while also protecting their wellbeing.
Around 500 staff will get access to the Retail Trust’s resources as part of the partnership.
Sessions are being held at St John’s Shopping Centre and other locations in the city centre, with plans to roll out further in the coming months.
Research by the Retail Trust last year found 77% of shop staff had experienced intimidating behaviour, and 23% were physically assaulted.
The programme is funded by the Hyper-Local Policing Fund, awarded by the Home Office and secured by Merseyside’s police and crime commissioner and Merseyside Police.
Merseyside Police officers will be involved in the initiative as part of a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and violence against retail staff.
They will also monitor the impact on business robbery, violence against shop workers and related crime in the city centre.
Offenders will continue to be prosecuted.
Superintendent Philip Mullally, force lead for serious violence and knife crime at Merseyside Police, said: “Retail workers are an important part of our local economy and should not have to feel intimidated and threatened or unsafe doing their jobs.
“By becoming the first police force in the UK to partner with the Retail Trust we are sending a clear message to those intent on causing harm and violence that we will not tolerate it and we will take robust and swift action.
“This initiative is key in giving retail workers the confidence and tools necessary to defuse difficult situations in the knowledge that we stand with them and support them in times of conflict.”
Merseyside Police Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell, said: “No one should ever go to work fearing abuse, intimidation or violence.
“Our shop workers and retail staff do an incredible job keeping services running for our communities, and they deserve to feel safe and respected every day.
“I’m proud that Merseyside Police is the first force in the country to partner with the Retail Trust on this initiative.”
Spurrell added: “This partnership builds on the momentum of our recent Safer Town Centres Conference, where partners from across the region came together to share learning and strengthen our collective approach to making our retail spaces safer for everyone.
“By investing in practical training, wellbeing support and a zero-tolerance stance on abuse, we are sending a clear message: retail crime will not be tolerated in Merseyside.
“We will continue working with businesses, local authorities and our police colleagues to protect staff, reduce crime and ensure our high streets remain welcoming places for all.”
Chris Brook-Carter, CEO of the Retail Trust, said: “Shop workers across the country are being abused, threatened and assaulted on a daily basis simply for doing their jobs.
“Hundreds of retailers’ employees have already taken part in our training and we’ve joined forces with Merseyside Police to bring even more support to retail workers in Liverpool.
“We want to teach people how to safely de-escalate and recover from verbal and physical assaults and work with the police to make the city’s shops safer.”
