John Lewis chairwoman, Sharon White, has called for stricter shoplifting laws.
- Rising theft and anti-social behaviour highlight the need for legislative changes.
- Current legislation varies, with Scotland having specific protective laws for workers.
- Assaults and abuse against retail staff are significantly increasing.
- Initiatives are being launched to enhance community policing engagement.
John Lewis’ chairwoman Sharon White is urging the UK government to implement more stringent laws to combat rising shoplifting incidences. She expressed these views during a segment on Good Morning Britain, emphasising that theft is not a victimless crime. White cited the differing legislation in Scotland, where specific laws protect shop workers from abuse, as a model to consider for broader adoption.
The plea for legislative reform is underscored by Waitrose, a sister company of John Lewis, which reports increasing occurrences of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, often perpetrated by organised gangs. While there have been no serious injuries to staff, the rise in threats involving weapons is alarming. White’s comments come amidst the backdrop of a concerning trend of heightened risks faced by retail workers across the country.
According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), assaults on employees at companies like Waitrose have doubled since 2020. There is a reported 30% year-on-year increase in physical assaults against store workers, alongside a 20% rise in anti-social behaviour and verbal abuse. Alarmingly, approximately 850 cases of staff abuse are recorded daily, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Sharon White argues for a broader recognition that these crimes are far from trivial. She noted, “there is a growing recognition that these aren’t trivial crimes, because those costs, if you’re suffering theft, those costs go back to the customers”. This perspective aligns with her belief that visible law enforcement, embodying a local police presence, might deter criminal activities. She envisions strengthened community policing as a potential solution, as evidenced by their innovative ‘thanks a latte’ initiative, which seeks to foster closer ties with law enforcement through small acts of appreciation.
These developments highlight a critical dialogue between retailers and policymakers on the requisite measures to ensure safety and security within the retail sector. While the initiative of providing free coffee to police officers demonstrates a proactive approach, it also underscores the larger systemic issues that require government’s immediate attention.
The urgent need for tougher shoplifting laws and stronger police presence is apparent amidst increasing threats to retail staff safety.
