A letter has been written by Peter Batt, managing director of Nisa, and Victoria Lockie, head of retail, to urge for support for independent retailers during a “plight of retail crime”.
“As the government’s Crime and Justice bill is debated, and USDAW’s Respect for Shopworkers Week approaches, the issue of how we help retailers feel safe is once again in the spotlight – especially pertinent to the 33,500 independent retailers up and down the country,” the letter said.
The letter includes an account of Ben Selvaratnam, owner of Freshfields Market in Croydon, who has considered his future in retail due to seeing three to 10 thefts or attempted thefts a day.
The letter also calls for support for those that cannot afford professional security, but commends policing minister Chris Philp’s announcement of the Retail Crime Action Plan.
“While the national action plan is a welcome step – not least the commitments to prioritise urgent attendance at the scene of shoplifting involving violence against a shop worker – we hope the plight of independent retailers is given as much consideration as the larger organisations,” the letter continued.
“I’d urge independent retailers to ensure they are reporting crime, to give themselves the best chance of police action, and I’d urge the police to ensure independent retailers are not left behind in the race to tackle retail crime.”
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