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I wanted to provide an update regarding Violence against shop workers, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. 🚫 STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST SHOP WORKERS 🚫
Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe at Work
Shop workers provide essential services to our communities every day. No one should face abuse, threats, intimidation, or violence simply for doing their job.
Violence Is Never Acceptable
Violence against retail staff can include:
❌ Verbal abuse and threatening behaviour
❌ Intimidation and harassment
❌ Spitting or aggressive conduct
❌ Physical assault
❌ Abuse related to age, gender, race, disability, or religion
Every incident has a lasting impact on workers, their families, colleagues, and the wider community.
KNOW THE CONSEQUENCES
Abuse and Violence Are Criminal Offences
Shop workers have the right to work in a safe environment. Threatening, intimidating, or assaulting retail staff can result in:
⚖️ Police investigation
⚖️ Criminal prosecution
💷 Fines and compensation orders
🚫 Exclusion from stores and premises
🏛️ Court appearances
🚔 Imprisonment for serious offences
SHOW RESPECT
Remember, shop workers are:
✅ Following company policies
✅ Enforcing age-restricted sales laws
✅ Helping customers every day
✅ Working to keep stores safe and secure
Disagreements do not justify abuse or aggression.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
✅ Treat staff with courtesy and respect
✅ Remain calm during disagreements
✅ Report incidents of abuse or violence
✅ Support workers who have experienced abuse
✅ Help create a safer shopping environment for everyone
BE KIND. BE RESPECTFUL. BE RESPONSIBLE.
Abuse Is Not Part of the Job.
Violence Has Consequences.
🏪 Safe Staff • Safe Stores • Safe Communities 🏪
Respect shop workers. They are here to help.
 Violence against shop workers and staff is a serious crime that should not be tolerated. Whether physical or verbal, any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work is completely unacceptable. If you do see any of this taking place, please report it as soon as possible or call 999. For more information, please see the Metropolitan Police website. We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
