Retail NZ has come out with a five-point plan to help reduce violence and aggression towards retail workers.
The initiative follows controversy over the use of facial-recognition technology by Foodstuffs North Island, and government promises to address the issue. Last week an Auckland dairy owner was stabbed to death in a robbery that escalated, again drawing the rising incidents of violence against retail workers into the headlines.
Retail NZ CEO Greg Harford said a change across society in attitudes towards crime and violence is necessary.
“Everyone in the community needs to have a shared understanding that it’s not OK to steal, threaten, assault or kill. This needs an extensive social change program to get the message through.”
Harford says Retail NZ has made it clear to the government and officials that fundamental initiatives required to support the sector include these five points:
- Training for retail workers to de-escalate instances of violence, aggression and robbery.
- Specific penalties in the Crimes Act calling out abuse and violence against retail workers.
- Mental health and wellbeing support for retail workers impacted by retail crime.
- An increase in the number of police on the beat through retail communities across the country.
- A social change program to change attitudes towards retail crime and understand property rights.
“It’s critical that retail workers are trained in how to manage armed robberies. Many businesses are investing heavily in providing this sort of support for their team members, but this can be challenging for SMEs,” Harford said.
Retail NZ has a suite of resources available online to support the sector.
