The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that shoplifting has increased by 32 per cent in the last decade.

Shopworkers' trade union Usdaw's survey of retail staff shows a 25 per cent increase in violence, suggesting there are over 260 assaults every day.

The British Retail Consortium reported a doubling of violence against shop staff in its annual Retail Crime Survey.

And the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) reported nearly a million thefts from UK convenience stores in 2017, a 65 per cent increase on the previous year. ACS also found that challenging shop thieves was the most common trigger for violence and verbal abuse.

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: "The idea that shoplifting is a victimless crime is wrong. Theft from shops is often a trigger for violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers, so the rising trend in shoplifting is extremely worrying for our members.

"The evidence from retailers, police and our own survey of shopworkers all show a disturbing increase in retail crime. This cannot be allowed to continue, action must be taken.

"We have long been concerned that theft from shops is not taken seriously and sometimes regarded as a victimless crime with only large companies affected, but the reality for shopworkers is very different. Police resources are so stretched we now have some chief constables reporting that their officers can no longer attend theft from shops incidents and they are asking shopworkers to detain shoplifters.

"Life on the frontline of retail can be pretty tough for many shopworkers, there needs to be government action to protect them. The police must have the resources from government to respond to incidents and investigate shop thefts. We want the government to legislate for stiffer sentences for the thugs that attack shopworkers.

"We want to see retailers, police and the courts working in partnership to ensure better protection for shopworkers. Retail staff are an important part of our communities; their role must be valued, respected and protected."

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