Norwich shop workers hope retail abuse law change will help

Assaulting a shopworker is set to become a separate criminal offence as the government makes changes to the Criminal Justice Bill.

Those found guilty of crimes involving the abuse of retail workers could face a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment or an unlimited fine. 

Repeat offenders - including shoplifters - could also be forced to wear an electronic tag.

Assaults against retail workers are increasing across the country - including in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley)

In February, the British Retail Consortium published a report that showed that between 2022 and 2023 the number of incidents rose to 1,300 per day, almost doubling from nearly 870 per day between 2021 and 2022.

One woman who works in a city centre vape shop, who wished to remain anonymous, explained the verbal abuse that she experiences regularly.

She said: "A lot of the time, when people can't get what they want and are really addicted, they are likely to get very aggressive with us.

"We are open until late, so do get a lot of drunk customers who shout about us, and we are often working on our own, which makes us vulnerable.

"You are constantly terrified when a rough customer comes in because you aren't sure what they are capable of.

"This new law coming in could be great and give us some more protection because we know that if something happens then something can be done."

Caitlin stones works at Lowell on Pottergate (Image: Newsquest)

Many retail workers, including Caitlin Stones at Lowell record and vintage clothing shop in Pottergate, are lucky to escape that volume of abuse when she is at work.

She said: "It is definitely an issue in Norwich, and we do get people coming in who are intoxicated who want to be in the shop and chat to you, which can make you feel quite vulnerable. 

"Some people say sexist things or act in a hostile way.

"I can imagine it will be a difficult thing to police but it is good that people will have more awareness about how shop staff can be treated."

A shopkeeper on London Street spoke of the verbal abuse that he has experienced (Image: Denise Bradley)

Another shopkeeper, who works in London Street and did not want to be named, has been terrorised by a group of teenagers.

She said: "I've had to call the police about it before.

"They are under 18 and get aggressive when I won't serve them. 

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"They threaten me and try to steal stuff from the shop."

Bradley Brady is the owner of Cosmic Joe's in Bedford Street (Image: Newsquest)

Bradley Brady, the owner of Cosmic Joe's retro toy and collectables store and cafe in Bedford Street, said: "You're on the front line as a retail worker.

"We are lucky here that 99pc of our interactions are wonderful. 

"However, we are in an area with lots of bars and pubs and do have the occasional drunk walk in who can be aggressive and have verbally attacked us before.

"We are really pleased to see the changes."

Most shop workers report that problems are worse for those that work in the big shops of national chains, such as Primark and Tesco in Norwich, rather than independents.

Martin Turner is the owner of Working Title in Bridewell Alley (Image: Newsquest)

Martin Turner, owner of the Working Title clothes shop in Bridewell Alley, said: "I've worked in Norwich for 10 years and I'm lucky to have never been verbally or physically assaulted. 

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"It is scary though to stand behind the till with cash and wonder if someone is going to come in and knife you. 

"Drunk people do come in and clamber all over our displays, which makes you feel nervous in case it escalates, but it has never got to that."

Shop staff urged to report all incidents

Stefan Gurney, Executive Director at Norwich BID (Image: Norwich BID)

Stefan Gurney, executive director of the Norwich Business Improvement District (Bid), has also welcomed the news.

"It’s really positive news that central government have taken notice of the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour towards retail staff and have brought forward a specific offence to attempt to address this," said Mr Gurney.

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"Norwich Bid has worked with retailers to provide a free Alert crime scheme and reporting system Disc, which has supported retailers and their teams.

"This approach works with colleagues at Norfolk Constabulary to tackle retail crime in Norwich and identifies the need to report all incidents to identify offenders and repeat incidents.

"Norwich Bid supports these measures while pushing for more impactful changes at a national level."