Southern Co-op is joining Co-op Group and other independent co-operatives in calling on MPs to back the amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would make attacking a shopworker a stand-alone offence.

With unchecked crime reaching record levels, a new report launched yesterday (Wednesday, 7 February) commissioned by the Co-op Group, written by Professor of Criminology at City, University of London, Emmeline Taylor, reveals a ten-point plan to break the cycle of retail crime and foster ongoing collaborative approach between the retail industry, police, and broader criminal justice system to build on recent advancements.

Chief among the report’s recommendations is to make attacking a shopworker a stand-alone offence, with Co-op’s urging MPs to back the amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill which is soon to be debated in Parliament – giving shop workers the legal protection they deserve.

The new report has ambitions to foster a refreshed, honest, and collaborative approach between the retail industry, police, and broader criminal justice system, and build on the advancements seen. It illustrates how retail crime spreads and grows when left unchecked and is all too often dismissed as a petty and victimless crime despite its far-reaching societal impacts. The report can be viewed here in full.

You can urge your MP to back the Retail Workers amendment – and give shopworkers in our communities the protection they deserve.

Click here to find your local MP’s email address and other contact details.