Crackdown needed on shop staff attacks

ANYONE who embarks on a career in retail would be forgiven for thinking they’re moving into a job with little risk to their safety. But the latest figures from Retail NI suggest that is far from the case.

They are putting themselves in the firing line in a position where they have no idea who is going to walk through the door next.

While the vast majority of people who visit are courteous and are only there to browse or buy what they need, the violence and threats against shop workers are rising as the ills of modern society impinge on their daily lives.

So much so that Retail NI has now raised this serious situation at Stormont.

Two-thirds of staff working in our shops have been the victim of violence or threats at some stage.

Over half have left their jobs because of verbal or physical abuse.

Shoplifting, too, has become common, with 91% of staff experiencing it in their stores on a regular basis.

Police do respond when called to incidents of violence and stealing.

But all too often there is little follow-up and few prosecutions for the attacks and thefts.

It all adds to the sense that shop staff are fair game for those with malicious intent, as there is little or no risk of punishment.

And it’s not just the physical impact that affects those targeted.

The psychological damage can be long-lasting.

An attack on a shop worker might not seem like a major crime in the grand scale of things, but it most definitely is for the person who becomes a victim.

The sheer number of incidents means this is a problem that needs serious attention from the authorities.

It’s a sad state of affairs that store owners have to call for more support to install CCTV and enhance deterrents to try and address the situation.

There’s also growing demands for neighbourhood policing teams to be properly funded.

Visibility on the ground can be critical in ensuring public safety.

But, for well-known financial reasons, the numbers are not there to make it as effective as it could and should be.

This place falls short on so many of these issues.

We remain the only part of the UK not to have assault on staff as a specific criminal offence.

Those working in our shops have the right to feel safe in their jobs. They deserve that respect.