Retailers have reported increases in shoplifting following the introduction of new coronavirus face mask regulations in stores.

Jacqui Dales, of Spar London Road Bakery in Lincolnshire, told Better Retailing that “shoplifting has noticeably increased”. She also said staff are being subjected to abuse over mask-wearing and restrictions on numbers allowed in store.

Retailer robbed at knife point by face mask attacker

Ken Singh, of Mill Hill Stores in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, advised retailers to stay away from offenders. “The danger is you don’t know how these people will react. Keep a distance and contact the police after,” he said.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We need a consistent response to these incidents across all police forces and to send a clear message to perpetrators that retail crime is never acceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Find out more on our coronavirus information hub for retailers