The campaign to protect retailers and colleagues against crime has been ongoing for years. Co-op has been campaigning on this issue since 2018, when we backed Alex Norris MP’s Assault on Retail Workers Bill.
In 2025, over 5.5 million shoplifting incidents were recorded - that’s one theft every six seconds - and that’s not including the theft that goes unnoticed or unreported . For conveniences stores, the direct cost of crime is estimated at £354 million to the sector and £7,137 per store.
And the impact goes beyond finance – many retail colleagues witness or endure abuse at work. It’s been estimated that, in smaller and independent stores, there are around 67,000 incidents of violence and more than 950,000 incidents of verbal abuse over a 12-month period.
But this month marks a landmark moment for the industry.
Greater protection for retailer workers
In response to retail industry data and years of campaigning, the Crime and Policing Bill has now gained Royal Assent, meaning all the measures within the act are now law.
This is a huge milestone for all retail workers, giving them the protections they deserve at a time when retail crime has sadly become a more prevalent societal issue.
What does the new law state?
Assault against retail workers is now officially recognised as a standalone offence, carrying a possible sentence of six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.
Alongside this, the act has reversed legislation that classified theft under the value of £200 as a summary-only offence. As a result, theft of any amount is illegal and offenders can be properly prosecuted.
But it doesn’t stop there…
However, violence and abuse against shopworkers remain at unacceptable levels. There is still more to be done to reduce crime and abuse in the retail sector. For convenience retailers, many are investing in product tags, staff training and AI store monitoring.
Meanwhile, the retail sector we will continue to campaign for greater support and initiatives to keep retailers and colleagues safe.
Need support?
If you’ve witnessed or been the victim of shoplifting and need emotional or practical support, please reach out to GroceryAid.
GroceryAid’s services are free and available to anyone working in an independent retailer or convenience store.
You can speak to a counsellor via the 24-hour GroceryAid Helpline at 08088 021 122 or message them on WhatsApp on +44 7418 360780.
Shoplifting Statistics UK 2026: Retail Crime Trends & Data
ACS Crime Report 2026.pdf