Merseyside Police and Retail Trust run UK-first scheme to tackle retail abuse

Merseyside Police has become the first UK police force to partner with the Retail Trust to protect shopworkers from rising levels of abuse, violence and intimidation.

The partnership will pump investment into staff training on how to safely manage, de-escalate and recover from violent and confrontational situations.

It also means retail workers across Liverpool will be getting access to the Retail Trust’s wellbeing facilities for the first time, including counselling and its 24-hour helpline.

The Retail Trust works with more than 200 retail partners. The partnership with Merseyside Police will extend that support to more shopworkers across Liverpool city centre, such as independent retailers.

The programme is being funded by the Hyper-Local Policing Fund, awarded by the Home Office and secured by Merseyside’s Police & Crime Commissioner and Merseyside Police.

Police officers will also be closely involved throughout the retail initiative, as part of its zero-tolerance approach to abuse and violence against retail workers, the force said.

It will be evaluating the impact on business robbery offences, violence against shopworkers and other related crime within the city centre as part of its efforts to pursue and hold offenders to account.

“No one should ever go to work fearing abuse, intimidation or violence. Our shop workers and retail staff do an incredible job keeping services running for our communities, and they deserve to feel safe and respected every day,” said Merseyside Police crime commissioner Emily Spurrell.

“I’m proud that Merseyside Police is the first force in the country to partner with the Retail Trust on this initiative.

“This partnership builds on the momentum of our recent Safer Town Centres Conference, where partners from across the region came together to share learning and strengthen our collective approach to making our retail spaces safer for everyone.

“By investing in practical training, wellbeing support and a zero-tolerance stance on abuse, we are sending a clear message: retail crime will not be tolerated in Merseyside. We will continue working with businesses, local authorities and our police colleagues to protect staff, reduce crime and ensure our high streets remain welcoming places for all.”

Retail Trust CEO Chris Brook-Carter said: “Shopworkers across the country are being abused, threatened and assaulted on a daily basis simply for doing their jobs.

“Hundreds of retailers’ employees have already taken part in our training and we’ve joined forces with Merseyside Police to bring even more support to retail workers in Liverpool. We want to teach people how to safely de-escalate and recover from verbal and physical assaults and work with the police to make the city’s shops safer.”