Labour Will Tackle Soaring Shoplifting and Protect Retail Workers

“Labour is delivering respect for retail staff,” says Gower MP in support of Usdaw’s Freedom from Fear campaign
 
Tonia Antoniazzi, Labour MP for Gower, has pledged her full support for urgent action to tackle the rising epidemic of shoplifting and the abuse of retail staff. Speaking at a parliamentary event hosted by retail trade union Usdaw, Tonia met with shop workers and Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis to hear directly from those on the frontline.
 
Tonia Antoniazzi MP said:
 
“Retail crime is out of control. In South Wales alone, recorded shoplifting has risen by 116% since 2021, and across England and Wales, it has more than doubled since the pandemic. These statistics reflect a shocking reality for retail workers, who are being abused, threatened, and assaulted just for doing their jobs.
 
“After 14 years of Conservative failure, Labour is stepping up to protect retail staff and restore respect for our essential workers. I’m proud to back Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill, which will scrap the £200 theft threshold that effectively decriminalised shoplifting, introduce Criminal Behaviour Orders for repeat offenders, and create a new standalone offence for assaulting retail workers.
 
“Retail staff are key workers in our communities. They deserve safety, respect, and the full protection of the law. Labour’s plan to recruit additional police officers and target organised retail crime will make a real difference to high streets in Gower and across the UK.
 
“Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear campaign has been leading the charge on this issue for years, and I stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”
 
Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis welcomed Tonia’s support:
 
“No one should feel afraid to go to work, but our members face a daily threat of abuse, violence, and intimidation. Over three-quarters of retail staff report being verbally abused and more than one in ten have been physically assaulted.
 
“We’re proud to have the backing of Tonia Antoniazzi and the Labour Party. Labour’s commitment to scrapping the theft threshold and introducing legal protections for shop workers is exactly what’s needed.”