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## Co-op workers face increased violence and theft

### By Tom Espiner
### Business reporter, BBC News
### Updated: February 8, 2024

A recent report from the Co-op supermarket reveals a sharp rise in violence against their shop workers in 2023, as incidents of shoplifting and abuse surged. According to the retailer, attacks on staff increased by more than a third compared to the previous year, with criminal groups specifically targeting stores in their criminal activities.

In response to these alarming statistics, the Co-op is calling for violence against shop workers to be treated as a standalone offense in England and Wales, similar to the existing law in Scotland. The Home Office has acknowledged the issue and has committed to attending violent shoplifting incidents, recognizing it as an aggravating factor that carries tougher sentences for offenders.

Despite the efforts to address the problem, Co-op campaigns and policy director Paul Gerrard shared disturbing accounts of colleagues being physically attacked and threatened, with a notable 34% increase in physical attacks on staff compared to the previous year. These crimes are often linked to a rise in shoplifting, largely driven by organized criminal groups and vulnerable individuals coerced into criminal activities by these groups.

As part of their criminal operations, stolen goods are sold through various channels, including local businesses and online platforms. Gerrard highlighted the wider implications of purchasing stolen goods, emphasizing the association with other criminal activities such as child exploitation.

The challenge of large-scale shoplifting extends beyond urban areas, affecting even smaller towns. Moreover, limited police resources and inadequate tools to tackle the increasing incidents of shoplifting and violence have compounded the problem. Despite the launch of a retail crime plan, a significant number of shoplifters detained by Co-op security guards continue to escape as a result of the lack of police presence at the scene.

In response to these challenges, the Co-op advocates making abuse of retail workers a standalone offense, emphasizing the need for a stronger legal framework to address these issues. The Home Office has recognized the importance of tackling crimes like shoplifting to enhance public confidence in policing and has committed to prioritizing incidents involving violence against shop workers.

The AI legalese decoder can provide invaluable support in navigating the legal complexities associated with prosecuting abuse against retail workers and addressing the implications of shoplifting-related crimes. By leveraging advanced AI capabilities, the Decoder can aid legal professionals and law enforcement agencies in understanding and interpreting relevant legislation, thereby strengthening efforts to combat these criminal activities. Furthermore, it can facilitate the development of comprehensive legal strategies and interventions to ensure the protection of retail workers and the broader community from the detrimental impacts of such crimes.

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