The legislation will introduce a standalone offence for abuse or violence towards retail staff and eliminate the £200 prosecution threshold for shoplifters—a long-standing demand from for businesses.
Interim figures from Usdaw’s latest annual survey of over 4,000 retail staff showed that seven in 10 respondents said that incidents of violence, threats and abuse they’d experienced were triggered by theft or armed robbery.
Similar picture is presented by British Retail Consortium’s latest annual crime report which shows that retail violence and abuse increased over 50 per cent to more than 2,000 incidents a day in 2024, losses from customer theft reached a record £2.2 billion in 2023-24 and record crime levels were reached despite retailers spending £1.8 billion on prevention.
Katie Secretan, Retail and Sales Director at Nisa, described the Bill as a “hard-fought victory for retail workers’ safety and respect.”
"It has been shocking to witness the rising levels of abuse, threats, and violence that independent retailers and their teams endure simply for doing their jobs.
"This legislation is a vital step in recognising the seriousness of these crimes and ensuring a stronger police response to protect those on the frontline," Secretan said.
However, Secretan stressed the need for fair and consistent enforcement across all retail sectors, warning that independent stores must not be overlooked.
“Too often, independent retailers struggle with a lack of police response and support, despite being at the heart of their communities. Thanks to tireless campaigning—led by our Co-op—progress is being made. But there is still more to do, from preventing reoffending to supporting shop workers in every way possible.”
Welcoming the Bill’s introduction to Parliament, Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, emphasized the urgency of addressing retail crime.
“With our latest survey showing retail crime spiraling out of control, urgent action is needed to protect our retail colleagues from harm and tackle the surge in theft," she said.
Dickinson highlighted that making violence against retail staff a standalone offence will increase visibility, allowing police to allocate resources appropriately and deter offenders.
However, she warned that protection must extend beyond shop workers to include delivery drivers, who also face threats, physical violence, and even attacks with weapons.
“Retailers are now equipping their drivers with personal safety devices and DNA spit-testing kits. As the Bill progresses through Parliament, we hope these concerns will be addressed," Dickinson said.
Retail trade union Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis welcomed the Bill, calling it a long-overdue response to retail crime.
“Retail workers enforce age-restricted sales laws and deserve additional legal protection. We are pleased the Government has listened and is introducing these vital measures.”
Usdaw is particularly encouraged by provisions of abolishing of the £200 prosecution threshold, increase in funding for uniformed police patrols in shopping areas and introduction of ‘Respect Orders’ for offenders, designed to curb repeat offences.
Lillis stressed that retail crime is not a victimless act and it jeopardises store viability, community safety, and staff well-being.
“Retail crime has become an epidemic. Stores are being targeted by organised crime gangs, with weapons and violence used to intimidate staff. The impact extends beyond theft itself—employees face anxiety, fear, and even physical harm.
“The Crime and Policing Bill presents a real opportunity to improve retail workers’ lives, strengthen store security, and restore safety in communities," Lillis added.
