About this event
Crimes of violence and abuse against retail staff were already at a record high in the last crime survey at over 400 a day. With the need to encourage customers to wear face coverings and observe social distancing they have escalated even further during the pandemic.
Even before the pandemic, the Government issued a call for evidence to assess the situation further. It rejected the call made in many responses for a separate offence of abuse and violence towards retail staff (now law in Scotland) and instead set up four task and finish groups to look at specific issues. Retailers, police and others have now produced some conclusions.
In this webinar, the Minister for Crime and Policing (Kit Malthouse MP) will engage with retailers and others who led the four groups to assess the outcome and recommendations. It will also provide an opportunity to view an animation produced by Suzy Lamplugh Trust for the BRC on practical steps on how to de-escalate a violent situation.
The Groups covered:
- Reporting – how to ensure all these crimes are reported and recorded
- Overcoming barriers to data sharing – how to ensure that data protection rules are observed when exchanging information while overcoming the perception they are always a barrier
- Supporting victims – practical ideas for ensuring that all victims receive the necessary support from businesses and other services
- Communication – ensuring the public realise how unacceptable such abuse is with a national #ShopKind campaign.
Speakers:
- Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive, British Retail Consortium
- Kit Malthouse MP, Minister for Crime and Policing, Home Office
- Patrick Holdaway, Chief Inspector, Business Crime Lead, Hampshire Constabulary
- Katy Bourne, Chair of the Association of Police & Crime Commissioners, Sussex Police
- James Lowman, Chief Executive, ACS
- Paul Gerrard, Campaigns and Public Affairs Director, The Co-operative Group
- Nigel Kirkup, Vice President, Loss Prevention Director, TJX Europe
- Helen Clayton, Senior Crime and Security Manager, Sainsburys
British Retail Consortium
Our mission is to make a positive difference to the retail industry and to the customers it serves.The go-to trade association for all UK retailers, promoting the story of retail, shaping debates and influencing the issues that matter to the industry.
BRC membership is open to UK retailers, retail-related trade associations and companies who provide services to the retail sector.
