Wales Labour Assembly Member Vicki Howells has pledged to fight for the introduction of a separate offence for abusing a shopworker, after being appointed chair of a parliamentary group for independent retailers.

Howells was elected to spearhead the Cross-Party Group on Small Shops in December 2021.

The group aims to raise awareness about policy issues concerning small-business owners in Welsh parliament.

She told Better Retailing that tackling crime is a priority during her tenure. “I want to look at trying to build a new aggravated offence for attacking shopworkers to support colleagues and the community safely,” she said.

New crime law expected in a ‘matter of months’

“I will be speaking with retailers to help fight the case, as well as using the work of Business Improvement Districts.”

The move would see Wales join England and Scotland in recognising the need for legislation to help curb the rising number of abusive incidents faced by store owners.

Howells added: “I intend to work with the rest of the APPGs and county councils in Scotland on this so we can create a united voice, and push the legislation in Wales.”

Wales NFRN district president John Parkinson, of Broadway News & Convenience in Penrhyn, welcomed the move.

“Crime has started to pick up again, which is why more support is needed for businesses on how to tackle it,” he said.

Read more retail crime news