Oral Question·Home Office
“What steps her Department is taking to help tackle violence against shopworkers in rural areas.”
Tabled: 22 May 2025Answered: 2 June 2025
Asked by
Amanda Hack
Labour — North West Leicestershire
Answering Minister
the Secretary of State for the Home Department
Answer from Hansard
The Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention (Dame Diana Johnson)
Under the previous Government, shop theft was allowed to reach epidemic proportions. There was a 70% increase in the last two years of the previous Government. We are working hard to tackle this epidemic in every area of our country, including rural areas. Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we are introducing a new stand-alone offence of assault against a retail worker. We will not tolerate workers facing abuse and violence simply for doing their job, whether that is in towns or in rural areas.