Federation welcomes commitment to get ‘tougher on retail crime’
The Federation of Independent Retailers has commended the new government for reintroducing proposed legislation aimed at protecting shop owners and staff from attacks and thefts.
The amended Crime and Policing Bill was thwarted at the last minute when the former Prime Minister called a general election and Parliament was dissolved.
As part of the King’s Speech, it was confirmed that assaulting a shopworker would become a standalone offence, while plans to tackle shoplifting and scrapping the so-called unofficial £200 rule will also come into force.
The Federation’s national president Mo Razzaq said: “We have campaigned long and hard for the Government and police to get tougher on retail crime, so it is a relief that the Bill is back on the table.
“What we need now is real action to stem the overwhelming tide of crime against retailers and their staff. Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and for their businesses to be protected against criminals.”
While the announcement of the returning legislation was a welcome boost to retailers, the Federation said there was “disappointment” that plans to change age restrictions on tobacco products and to limit the sale of vapes will go ahead.