Shop Workers In The Firing Line As Reports Of Assaults Increase

It is a sad indictment of our society that assaults on retail workers have escalated so much over the last few years. Here are some statistics from a recent report called ‘Working Together’ that makes sorry reading:

A large majority of retail staff that took part in the survey, 67%, have been victims of violence or threats. And just over 50% of staff have left their post because of physical and/or verbal abuse. Over 90% of shop workers have witnessed shoplifting on a regular basis but one positive aspect of the survey was that 72% were happy with the police response to incidents.

Trade body Retail NI have launched an action plan in a bid to tackle this growing issue, with the report including 17 recommendations for the Executive and PSNI — including the possibility of launching a dedicated hotline for businesses to contact police.

Prolific Shoplifter Stole Hundreds Of Pounds

Business owner Chris Reilly spoke after the launch, giving details of his experiences in an article in the Belfast Telegraph. He said:

“Just last week, I had a prolific shoplifter come into one of my shops and stole hundreds of pounds worth of laundry detergent. I confronted him outside, only for him to grab my arms and attempt to headbutt me,” said Mr O’Reilly, who operates Retail Zoo and owns several well-known Belfast convenience stories, including under the Mace and Centra branding.

“Another terrible example is last year when a prolific beggar on the Ormeau Road attempted to come into the Post Office in the Spar,” he said.

“He started to become irate and aggressive. He was told not to come back, only for him to return with his partner the next day, to scream and shout at the Post Office worker — a slight girl in her 20s who was upset by it all.

“Again, he was arrested and charged. Appeared an hour late for court, was found guilty, but yet again, appeared in the shop again within the next few days.

“This is why this report is important, there needs to be proper consequences for these people.”

Crime Is Having A Huge Impact On Members And Staff

Also in the article Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts is quoted talking about this report, saying:

“Our report highlights the huge impact that crime is having on our members’ business, their staff, and the wider economy.

“It is a startling statistic that 67% of those surveyed reported that their staff have been victims of assault and threats and 51% were losing staff as a result.

“Our members are extremely frustrated with the criminal justice system and feel let down by the punishments — or the lack of — for offenders.

“Confidence building measures are urgently needed and visible action taken against those who are found guilty of theft and intimate shop staff.”

Shop workers and businesses should not have to put up with this kind of aggressive behaviour so anything that will help nip this in the bud should be warmly welcomed.