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<p>All forms of retail crime are unacceptable, and everyone has the right to feel
safe at work.</p><p>I chair the National Retail Crime Steering Group (NRCSG) which
brings together partners including the police, trade bodies – including the Association
of Convenience Stores - and retailers and is overseeing a range of work to tackle
retail crime. This includes the collation and dissemination of good practice and developing
guidance on the use of Impact Statements for Business, which give victims of business
crime the opportunity to set out the impact the crime has had on the business, including,
for example, financial loss. The NRCSG also continues to work with retailers to improve
the management and response to shop theft using a partnership approach according to
local circumstances.</p><p>On 21 January I announced that we will launch a call for
evidence on violence and abuse towards shop workers to strengthen our understanding
of this issue, including how existing legislation is being applied.</p><p>In addition,
the Sentencing Council is due to consult on a revised guideline on assault in the
summer.</p><p>Where shop theft involves anti-social behaviour, local areas may use
the tools provided for by the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Where appropriate, this may include the Community Remedy, which gives victims of low-level
crime and anti-social behaviour a say in the punishment of perpetrators who receive
an out of court punishment, and the Community Trigger, which gives victims of persistent
anti-social behaviour the ability to request a formal case review. <br>The powers
are deliberately local in nature, and it is for local agencies to determine whether
their use is appropriate in the circumstances. The Home Office keeps use of the powers
under review through an Anti-social Behaviour Strategic Board which brings together
key partners.</p>
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