In the UK this past week I saw several engagements by businesses on the issue of crime against retail businesses and their employees by shoppers.
I noticed engagement at Euston station in London, where I took the photo. The poster is a clear message on customer violence. Then, at the Better Retailing LIVE conference in Manchester, there was a discussion on a campaign to engage politicians in helping independent retailers to tackle retail crime.
The campaign seeks action on four main problem areas: shoplifting, vandalism, robbery and violent crime. The area of violent crime is what piqued my interest. There is a report that 74% of retailers have received verbal abuse when refusing the sale of tobacco to under age shoppers and 9% have been the victim of physical assault.
A campaign endorsed by a number of industry groups alls on politicians to help in a range of areas including, most important in my view: introducing legislation ensuring shop workers have the same legal protection from assault as emergency workers. The campaign is providing focus on an issue we could benefit from addressing in Australia.