As you may be aware, the Government introduced a statutory aggravating factor for assault against any public-facing worker via section 156 of the Police Crime Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. This legislation ensures the public-facing nature of a victim’s role will be considered an aggravating factor when it comes to sentencing for assault offences.
I also welcome further Government progress on this issue with the implementation of the Retail Crime Action Plan. The plan includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting instances involving violence against a shop worker, where security guards have detained an offender or where attendance is needed to secure evidence. I understand that police attendance will be assessed based on risk, and prolific or juvenile offenders will be treated with elevated priority.
I am aware that as part of the plan, police have also reaffirmed their pledge to follow up on any evidence that could reasonably lead to catching a perpetrator, and to step up activity in targeted hotspots in badly affected areas. The plan also sets out advice for retailers on how to provide the best possible evidence for police to pursue in any case. Retailers should send CCTV footage of the whole incident, and an image of the shoplifter from the digital evidence management system, as quickly as possible after an offence has been committed.
Further, the Home Office has created a new business and policing partnership that will radically improve the way retailers are able to share intelligence with policing, to better understand the tactics used by organised retail crime gangs and identify more offenders. This will include development of a new information sharing platform and training for retailers.
I can assure you that the Government is committed to keeping retail workers safe and cracking down on shoplifting.