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The campaign, which launched in March, encourages retailers to report every criminal act in their store to the police so that the true scale of issues can be seen in the hope that fewer incidents remain unpunished.
Those who have taken the Don’t Put Up With It Pledge so far are: Bestway Retail, CJ Lang (Spar), Costcutter, JW Filshill (Key Store), Londis, Mace, Motor Fuel Group, Nisa, One O One Group, Scotmid, United Wholesale Grocery (Lifestyle Express) and United Wholesale Scotland (Day Today and U Save).
John Lee, SGF’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “Unacceptable numbers of shop staff become victims of crime at work, through no fault of their own and it should not be tolerated. That’s why we launched the Don’t Put Up WIth It campaign and we are delighted with the reaction from our members across Scotland’s convenience store sector.
“Our message has gained terrific traction in a short amount of time, as is demonstrated by the number of companies who have taken the Don’t Put Up With It pledge. By signing up to that, these companies are saying they will support and encourage their retailers and staff to report every incidence of crime. We hope that this will send a strong signal that retail crime will not be brushed aside and that every effort will be made to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
The launch of the Don’t Put Up With It campaign – supported by the Scottish government – comes after the Scottish Parliament backed a new law that will give shop workers stronger protection against abuse and assaults.
However, the SGF believes that for The Protection of Workers Act to be effective when it comes into force later this year all incidents must be reported so that criminals come to realise that their acts will not be tolerated – and will be punished whenever possible.
