Shop workers are suffering “abhorrent” violence when trying to stop shoplifters, Surrey’s police and crime commissioner has warned.
Lisa Townsend said shop workers were often subject to “unacceptable and disgusting” violence and verbal abuse.
“As soon as we try to challenge shoplifting, it can open the door to abuse,” one shop worker said.
The Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW) said almost two-thirds of shop workers had been abused.
According to an USDAW survey of 3,000 members, 65% of those who responded had been verbally abused at work, while 42% had been threatened and 5% had been directly assaulted.
The union’s general secretary, Paddy Lillis, said six out of 10 incidents were triggered by shoplifting.
The shop worker added that safety was “paramount”, and abuse from shoplifters could “make us feel powerless.”
As part of a new scheme in Oxted, shop staff who witness shoplifting go outside and blow a whistle, both to alert neighbouring businesses and draw attention to the thefts.
Ms Townsend said: “I find it hugely concerning to hear about the unacceptable and abhorrent violence and abuse suffered by shop workers.”
“The links between shoplifting and serious organised criminality prove how vital it is for police across the country to get a grip on shoplifting.”
She said shoplifting was not a victimless crime, and its impact was felt by staff, businesses and communities.
In October, the government launched the retail crime action plan, which includes a police commitment to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting when violence is committed against shop workers.