20/04/2010 - Usdaw drive gets official support
Local and national governments, as well as police and retail employers, are now officially backing union Usdaw's campaign against violence towards retail workers.
The number of reported incidents in the country stood at more than 13,000 in 2009, apart from the regular verbal abuse faced by thousands more. Incidents of violence and abuse have declined since the start of Usdaw's 'Freedom from Fear' campaign in 2003, the union said.
Alan Campbell, Home Office minister for crime reduction, said that the Government is taking measures to reduce retail crime and is "fully supportive" of the Usdaw initiative.
He said: "Crime has fallen by 36% since 1997 and the British Crime Survey shows the risk of being a victim of crime is at its lowest ever. There is, however, no room for complacency.
"Keeping businesses and retail workers safe was behind the Government's grants scheme for small businesses to help improve security and reduce opportunities for crime. We continue to work with the police and businesses to increase reporting of retail crime and tackle their concerns. Since 1997 more shoplifters are going to jail and there are tough sentencing guidelines in place for those who commit violence against shop staff."
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