C OV E R
THE POLICE, CRIME, SENT
The fight back Sector reacts as new aggravated offence protecting shopworkers comes into force.
T
his week saw new provisions come into force to make attacking an individual who serves the public, including shopworkers, an aggravated offence. The provisions, introduced in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, have been welcomed by the whole of the sector. They bring England and Wales into line with Scotland, which enacted similar legislation in 2021. ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We are pleased that the government has introduced this new aggravated offence to provide additional protection to individuals serving the public following years of campaigning from ourselves and organisations from across the industry, this is a significant step forward but will not solve the problem by itself. “Crime is one of the biggest challenges faced by our sector and these incidents have significant financial and emotional effects on the individuals and the businesses involved and should not be seen as part of the job. All incidents of crime against our sector should be reported and it is important that appropriate and proportionate action is taken by the justice system when these incidents occur.” Meanwhile, the NFRN – which also lobbied MPs in Westminster for years for a change in the law to protect shopworkers – also welcomed the Act’s introduction. Its
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“All incidents of crime against our sector should be reported and it is important that appropriate and proportionate action is taken by the justice system when these incidents occur.” JAMES LOWMAN ACS CHIEF EXECUTIVE
National President Jason Birks said: “Attacks against store owners and their staff have been increasing for a number of years, so I am pleased that we are now being given the same protection in law as other frontline workers. Being attacked verbally or physically while just going
about your daily business should not be tolerated and seen as part of the job. “The important thing now is that the police and the Crown Prosecution Service work together to ensure this new law is an effective deterrent and not just a piece of paper. It’s essential that retailers report
