A leading Nisa retailer, who was left badly injured in a recent violent shoplifting incident in his store, has issued a passionate plea for greater protection and support for retail staff, shedding light on the grim reality faced by retail workers across the UK.
Retailer Amit Puntambekar who owns and runs Ash's Shop Nisa Local in Fenstanton in Cambridgeshire has challenged the general perception that shop theft is "victimless", detailing the intensity and effects of such crimes.
Puntambekar revealed to Asian Trader that a shoplifter recently targeted his store. On being confronted, the man became aggressive and punched him in the face, leaving him with a laceration below his eye.
"I was punched in the face by a shoplifter. I then had to detain him for 20-25 minutes until the police came out," said the retailer.
Despite the injury, the retailer returned to work the same day to monitor CCTV and ensure his team’s safety.
Retailer Amit Puntambekar
Calling for safety for retail work force, Puntambekar shared on social media, "Shop theft is not harmless,” he wrote.
“It causes major psychological damage and anxiety to retail teams. More worryingly, the physical violence is abhorrent. Nobody should have to think about going to work and being attacked.”
The retailer highlighted the growing boldness of shoplifters since the pandemic, citing lax enforcement and a sense of impunity as contributing factors.
“These criminals are habitual offenders, they do not care about the law. What has become more common to retail workers is abuse, and violence. As shop theft doesn’t get tended to, these criminals are pushing the boundaries.,” he explained.
"18 per cent of retail workers have faced assault, a number I fear, is significantly higher than being reported. 70 per cent of my retail colleagues across the country faced verbal abuse, again a number I believe is probably much higher."
Puntambekar further added that his concerns about the psychological and physical toll on retail workers, emphasising the need for a cultural shift in how shop theft is perceived.
It’s time to change the narrative on these criminals, they are not innocent. They are willing to commit a level of violence which the average person cannot comprehend.
"Retail and service workers need more protection urgently, they need support across different industries to drive this change. The first item that needs to change is the perception that shop theft is victimless.
Despite his ordeal, the retailer reaffirmed his love for his job and the positive impact his business has on the community.
His store supports Special Educational Needs (SEN) groups, social clubs for the elderly, local sports teams, and schools. As a parish council member, he is deeply invested in giving back.
“Retailers across the country do incredible things every day. Their teams work hard every day. They deserve a safe space to work. We shouldn’t wake up knowing that we could be attacked,” he concluded.
The post has sparked conversations across the retail community, with many calling for urgent action to better protect retail and service workers.
Read more on Amit Puntambekar and Ash's Shop Nisa Local Fenstanton.
