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Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
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Experts share how to make your bike last longer – and why regular care pays off

10 Oct 2025

Cycling experts have shared their top tips in a new Guardian feature revealing how simple maintenance habits can extend the life of a bike and save riders from costly repairs.
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ACT parent company Bira welcomes £5bn Pride in Place programme

29 Sep 2025

Bira has welcomed the Government's announcement of a £5 billion Pride in Place programme, saying it will provide the kind of support high street businesses need to thrive.
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Scottish bike shop to celebrate 20-year anniversary with prize draw and instore event

24 Sep 2025

An independent Scottish cycling retailer is celebrating 20 years in business this month with a prize draw and ‘celebratory cupcakes’ during an event at the shop.
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Cycling Scotland emphasises difference between legal and illegal e-bikes and praises work of E-Bike Positive campaign

18 Sep 2025

Cycling Scotland has highlighted the crucial distinction between legal and illegal e-bikes, warning that confusion risks undermining public trust in a technology that is helping thousands switch... Read more…

Barber shop proves it's a cut above the rest picking up coveted British retailers award

2 Sep 2025

A barber's shop in Northern Ireland has proved that it's a cut above the rest by picking up the inaugural Love Your High Street Award 2025, following a public vote that attracted over 2,230... Read more…

Independent retailers face Fresh challenges as UK inflation climbs to 3.8%

20 Aug 2025

ACT parent company Bira has expressed serious concern following today's announcement that UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July, higher than the expected 3.7% and marking the tenth consecutive month... Read more…

Bike industry continues to face challenges as profits and forecasts falter at Giant, Canyon and Shim

14 Aug 2025

The global bike industry remains under pressure as Shimano, Giant and Canyon all report weaker profits and subdued outlooks for 2025.
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ACT to join industry leaders at brand new cycling trade event this September

13 Aug 2025

The ACT is set to be in attendance at the inaugural Cycling Industry News Live (CIN Live) trade show, which is set to bring together industry-wide education, market insight and product showcases... Read more…

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Government Response Call for Evidence on Violence and Abuse towards shop staff

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

The Government has now published its response to the Call for Evidence on Violence and Abuse towards shop staff which closed in June 2019. Members of the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC) responded to the call for evidence calling for tougher penalties for those who attack shop workers, action on the root causes of offending and police response.

The call for evidence received 800 main responses:

  • The majority of respondents believed violence and abuse toward shop staff has increased in recent years
  • A significant number of respondents said they did not report incidents to the police
  • The principal issue for many was the need to create a new offence, but this was not the only issue raised

The Government response states that it "does not consider that the case is yet made out for a change in the law" to create a new offence of assaulting a shopworker. The Government considers the existing legislation that can be applied to incidents of violence and abuse to be sufficient and that under-reporting requires more urgent action.

To address the issues raised in the call for evidence the Government will aim to:

  • deepen its understanding and address the drivers of violence and assault against shop workers
  • send a clear message that such crimes are not tolerated and should be recorded whenever and wherever they take place
  • provide effective support to those shop workers who are the victims of violence and abuse

The Home Office have committed to working through the National Retail Crime Steering Group (NRSCG) with four dedicated task and finish groups. IRC member ACS is a member of the NRCSG and is involved in the groups. The groups will: develop communications for employees and employers to make clear that violence and abuse is not tolerated; develop a best practice guide for reporting crimes; look at barriers to effective data sharing between businesses and the police to ensure that information can be used to better understand the problem and look at how to better provide support to victims.

New action being pursued by the Government includes writing to Police and Crime Commissioners to set out that the theft of goods valued up to £200 from a shop should be prosecuted as a criminal offence and should not constrain the ability of the police to arrest or prosecute someone in the way they feel is most appropriate. The Government also intends to publish a White Paper ahead of the sentencing legislation announced at Queen's Speech, that will include proposals for tougher community sentences.

 

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