Crimestoppers and retailers are urging shoppers across the West Midlands region to #ShopKind when they visit local high streets this Christmas, as new national polling reveals that over one third of shoppers (38%) have witnessed violence and abuse against shopworkers.
With at least two-thirds of consumers flocking back to the high street, retailers, the Home Office and charity Crimestoppers are reminding customers to be kind to shopworkers and fellow customers.
The latest retail industry data suggests that 450 shopworkers are abused each day and it’s feared this may rise during the busy festive season.
The #ShopKind campaign urges the public to be mindful of shopworkers’ essential role serving the public, and emphasises that workers should be treated with respect, kindness and gratitude. Over 86% of shoppers recognise that shopworkers face a much higher workload during the Christmas period, but there remains a minority of people that are aggressive and, in the worst cases, physically violent towards people working in shops.
#ShopKind is supported by major high street retailers as well as the nation’s independent shopkeepers and the shopworkers’ union Usdaw. The ShopKind campaign is now visible across high streets and on social media.
Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “Our high streets play a pivotal role in our communities across the West Midlands and whilst Christmas can have its own stresses, there is absolutely no excuse for violent or abusive behaviour towards workers.
“Please help us stamp out abuse and if you know who is responsible but want to stay anonymous, tell our charity what you know. Call freephone 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.
“Together, we can help protect our local shops and shopworkers across the West Midlands region from harm at this busy but special time of year.” With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted them.
