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18 December 2024

Rising Violent Crime: Retail Workers Face Increased Attacks

Shopkeepers express fears as incidents of violent robbery surge across the UK.

A troubling wave of violent crime has been sweeping across the UK, leaving retail workers and shopkeepers feeling increasingly vulnerable. Reports from various regions indicate alarming incidents, particularly robberies involving threats of violence and physical assaults on employees.

Recently, a 30-year-old man named Sharjeel Shahzad was charged following a tragic car crash on Dartmouth Road, Smethwick. This incident claimed the life of a two-year-old boy and left two adults hospitalized with serious injuries. The police arrested Shahzad after he was implicated in the two-car collision involving his Porsche Cayenne and the victims’ Toyota Auris late on Saturday evening. He faces multiple charges including causing serious injury through dangerous driving, as well as driving whilst disqualified and without insurance. Shahzad has been remanded to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court later this week.

Meanwhile, shop employees have reported feeling unsafe at their jobs due to rising incidents of violence. An alarming robbery occurred at a shop on Stoneferry Road, Hull, when staff were allegedly threatened with a knife. A 44-year-old man has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and wounding with intent following his arrest during the early hours of Monday morning. He was set to appear before Hull Magistrates Court soon after the incident.

Further underscoring the growing fear among retailers, shop owners from upmarket districts like Morningside, Edinburgh, have expressed their distress after experiencing violent encounters with shoplifters. One shopkeeper recalled being attacked violently by a thief, who assaulted her and left her bruised. She stated, “We feel fearful in the shop now because we don’t know how they are going to react.” Similarly, incidents have involved shopkeepers being threatened with knives during attempts at robbery.

Community response has been prompted by these concerning events. The police have ramped up patrols and even distributed life-sized cardboard cut-outs of officers at local stores to deter would-be thieves. Shopkeepers expressed appreciation for the increased presence; yet, they voiced frustration over the police cuts leading to what they feel is the decriminalization of theft. Anne Ness from the Morningside Traders Association voiced grave concerns, stating, “There has been an increase [in shoplifting] over the last couple of years, but now it’s at the point it’s mad, it’s completely off the scale.”

Mandy Johnston, who manages Toys Galore, shared her harrowing experience of being attacked when she confronted a shoplifter who attempted to steal merchandise. Johnston recounted how the attempted theft left her badly shaken and bruised, emphasizing the need for effective preventive measures rather than reactionary responses after crimes occur. Her sentiments reflect the fears pervasive among her colleagues. “The people who are doing this have realized policing isn’t as effective as it once was,” commented shop owner Donald Nairn, highlighting resource gaps within the police force.

The uptick in violent crimes against shopkeepers has not gone unnoticed by higher authorities. Justice Secretary Angela Constance acknowledged the significant impact retail crime has on the community. She urged shopkeepers to report crimes diligently, stressing her condemnation of any violence against retail workers. The Scottish Government has pledged to allocate approximately £3 million toward tackling retail crime, alongside increased policing funds for 2025-26.

Inspector Scott Casey from Police Scotland confirmed the rise in shoplifting incidents and reassured the community of dedicated patrols focusing on retail crime. He urged shopkeepers to engage with law enforcement, promising thorough investigations of all reports submitted.

This growing climate of fear among shopkeepers highlights the urgent need for effective measures to combat violent crime. Retailers are calling out for stronger police presence and community support to help restore their sense of safety and security. With rising incidents making headlines, it remains to be seen how authorities will adapt to this troubling trend and what more can be done to protect those on the frontline of these crimes.

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