Tag: Crimestoppers

Charity urges Scots to speak up about those harming our countryside

Anonymity guaranteed to those who pass on information to Crimestoppers

The charity Crimestoppers – in partnership with Network Rail – is today launching a new campaign encouraging people to speak up about those causing harm and damage to Scotland’s countryside and their vital communities.

The initiative comes as the international tourist season returns following years of pandemic restriction.

Crimestoppers is independent of the police and gives the public an alternative option, namely, to pass on what they know about crime whilst never giving any personal details.

With many people planning trips to the countryside, the anticipated impact of large visitor numbers and effects of rural crime can be devastating to the environment.

Over 95% of Scotland is classed as rural and NFU Mutual estimate that rural crime costs Scotland around £1.8 million annually, with levels reportedly increasing.

Whilst the volume of crime in rural areas is lower than in urban locations, the consequences within a rural community or environment often has a much deeper and far-reaching impact, both on the victim and community as a whole.

Crimestoppers, together with Police Scotland and wider rural and environmental organisations, are asking the public to spot the signs of rural crime and give information 100% anonymously.

The key crimes that Scotland’s rural areas experience are:

• House-breaking

• Theft of farm equipment, vehicles and machinery

• Livestock-related crimes: theft and dog attacks

• Fly-tipping and industrial waste dumping

• Hare coursing and badger baiting

• Fuel theft – domestic and commercial

• Heritage & cultural property crime including illegal metal       detecting

• Wildlife crime

• Wilful fire-raising

Angela Parker, National Manager for Crimestoppers Scotland, said: “‘Many of us will be enjoying the stunning scenery, events and activities Scotland has to offer.

“Our campaign is encouraging the public to be aware of the harm rural crime and anti-social behaviour can inflict on the environment and the economy, from heritage crime, to wilful fire-raising and theft, these crimes often go unreported and can ruin lives, livelihoods and the rural environment.”

Allan Brooking, Community Safety Manager for Network Rail Scotland, said: ““Scotland’s Railway plays a vital role in connecting people with communities and attractions across the country, so it’s hugely important to us to help our partners protect rural areas from crime.

“We will be sharing the campaign’s message with passengers and railway staff will also be equipped with information on what to look out for.”

Inspector Alan Dron, Rural & Acquisitive Crime Coordinator for Police Scotland,  added: “The majority of individuals wanting to experience Scotland’s stunning cultural, historic and natural environments have a desire to do so responsibly and in accordance with the law. 

“Unfortunately, the consequences of a rural incident or crime often has a deeper and far-reaching impact plus access rights are not an excuse for anti-social or illegal behaviour.  Please respect our rural communities and countryside, leave no trace of your visit and don’t let any individuals spoil your experience.”

Postcards and posters will be shared across Scotland, coupled with a social media campaign highlighting the key crimes affecting rural areas.

Police appeal following serious assault in Gracemount

Detectives in Edinburgh are appealing for information after a man was attacked in the Gracemount Drive area. The incident took place around 8pm on Thursday (11 November).

The victim – a 32-year-old man – was seriously assaulted by a man outside Tesco, before making his way into the shop for assistance. He later attended the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment.

The suspect man was seen to break the window of a car in Tesco’s car park before running from the area and entering a dark hatchback vehicle on Captain’s Drive and driving away.

Detective Inspector Bob Campbell said: “This appears to have been a targeted attack and we do not believe there was any risk to the wider public.

“It took place in public outside a busy shop, with numerous members of the public present, so we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We’re also keen to hear from anyone with potential dashcam footage or private CCTV from the Gracemount Drive and Captain’s Drive areas last night, as it could prove vital to our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident 3297 of 11 November. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, if you wish to remain anonymous.

Shred your personal information for charity at Morrisons on National Shred Day


BSIA partners to take nominal donation for charity Crimestoppers to safely and securely dispose of business and personal information    


A new nationwide event that aims to help members of the public to dispose of their personal information safely and securely using professional services is taking place in Glasgow and Edinburgh at the beginning of October.

National Shred Day, organised by the British Security Industry Association in partnership with independent national charity Crimestoppers, is an opportunity to safely dispose of confidential waste for a nominal donation using the services of the BSIA Information Destruction (ID) members.

All donations will go towards regional projects carried out by Crimestoppers and your confidential waste will be shredded in an eco-friendly and safe way.

The event is taking place over multiple locations with the assistance of Morrisons superstores on Saturday (2 October) at 9.00am, and members of the public will be able to bring along as much as they wish to dispose of, including lever arch files, paper documents and boxes of statements, which will be securely shredded on-site before being baled and recycled into paper and tissue products.

The venues for National Shred Day in Scotland are:

  • Portobello Road, Edinburgh EH8 7BQ
  • 900 Crow Road, Anniesland, Glasgow G13 1JD

Under the theme of ‘Shredded, sorted’, National Shred Day aims to raise awareness of the potential risk of fraud if personal information is not disposed of effectively.

Kristian Carter, Chairman of the BSIA’s Information Destruction section and Commercial Director of Shred Station, said: “No matter how well you may think you’ve shredded your personal information and confidential waste at home it is not 100% safe from thieves.  

“Over lockdown many small companies and independent traders will have stored up a considerable amount and often small shredders will not be sufficient enough to dispose of it safely. 

“It is essential now more than ever that confidential documented information on people and businesses is destroyed securely to avoid the possibility of fraud occurring, and the BSIA’s ID companies play a crucial role in maintaining confidentiality with all kinds of paper data. 

“For a small donation you can dispose of your data securely and professionally and be assured that they won’t get their hands on your personal information.” 

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “I know that many of us – from businesses to people – have kept too much personal information as a result of lockdowns and the pandemic, especially with people working from home.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to protect yourself by safely disposing of your or other’s personal information – and at the same time help raise valuable funds for Crimestoppers and our important work locally.

“I’d also like to say a big thank you to BSIA for supporting our charity.”

For more information visit www.bsia.co.uk/national-shred-day

Crimestoppers launches appeal for anonymous information on the 1994 unsolved murder of Shona Stevens

The charity offers a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible for Shona’s murder as appeal features on BBC1’s Crimewatch Live programme

Crimestoppers Scotland is offering a reward and appealing for anonymous information in connection with the historic case of the murder of Shona Stevens.

Shona was brutally attacked on 10th November 1994 near her home at Irvine, in North Ayrshire. She was aged 31 at the time and died three days later as a result of severe head injuries.

The mother of one had left the Co-op store at Bourtreehill Shopping Centre at lunchtime. She was last seen at around 1. 10pm on Towerlands Road. Her body was sadly found nearby in a wooded area around ten minutes later.

The charity is supporting police by encouraging anyone who prefers to stay anonymous to contact us with information.

***Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for anonymous information the charity exclusively receives – via its website Crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111 – that leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible for Shona Stevens’ murder ***

Mick Duthie, Director of Operations at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “This is such a sad case of the brutal murder of a young mum who was making her way home from a local store.

“The motive is still unknown. It may be that you had suspicions or even knew what happened all those years ago, but were either too scared or for other reasons, failed to come forward.

“Our charity supports police by passing on anonymous information we receive that helps keep people and communities safe from harm. We are urgently appealing for anyone who knows or suspects who was behind this truly awful murder to do the right thing. We are offering £10,000 for information given exclusively and anonymously to us that leads to the conviction of whoever was responsible.

“Shona’s murder left a daughter without a mother – her family and friends are still waiting and deserve to see justice happen. We know it’s difficult to speak up about crime, especially if it’s about someone close to home. Since we began in the late 1980s, our charity has always kept its cast-iron guarantee to the hundreds of thousands of Scots who have trusted us with their anonymous information over the decades.

“Please help us to protect the community and see justice served by telling us completely anonymously what you know. You can talk to us by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or you can use our easy and secure anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

*** Information passed directly to police will not qualify. The reward will only qualify for information given exclusively to the charity Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or via the simple and secure anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org ***

Please note: Computer IP addresses are never traced and no-one will ever know you contacted us. For telephone calls, we have no caller line display, no 1471 facility and have never traced a call.

Police issue lazer danger warning

Police Scotland has issued a warning to people not to shine LASER lights at aircraft following a number of recent incidents in the Edinburgh area.

In the last six to eight weeks, there have been four incidents reported to police where LASER lights have been shone into aircraft attempting to land in Edinburgh area.

In one incident last month, the pilot of an air ambulance transferring a seriously-ill patient to hospital in Edinburgh had to abandon the landing after a LASER light was shone into the cockpit for 30 seconds.

After trying to land a second time, and being targeted again, the pilot had no option but to divert his helicopter to Edinburgh Airport. Enquiries into this incident are continuing.

Inspector Graeme Rankin, of Police Scotland’s Aviation Safety Unit, said: “This was an incredibly reckless and dangerous act which could have resulted in the injury of a pilot who was trying to fly a helicopter with a sick patient on board.

“Not only is this clearly illegal, with the possibility of a custodial sentence and/or an unlimited fine, it is exceptionally dangerous. Pilots can become temporarily blind at the most critical part of the flight while they are taking off and landing an aircraft which could have several hundred people on board.

“The consequences do not bear thinking about and we are determined to stop people from carrying out such obviously dangerous acts.

“We will do everything possible to track down, arrest and bring before the courts anyone who does this, but we are asking for the public’s help. If you see anyone shining a LASER light at an aircraft, you should call 999 immediately and report it to the police.”

Anyone who has any information about these, or any other incidents of a similar nature, is asked to call Police Scotland on 101 or report it anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers launches Safer Communities summer campaign

Don’t let thieves steal our summer 

Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers is launching their new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’: 

We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.

As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday. 

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINALS BEHIND ANY OF THE BELOW CRIMES, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW – CALL 0800 555 111 OR USE THE ONLINE FORM HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU’LL STAY 100% ANONYMOUS. ALWAYS.

With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.

Theft

Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends. 

When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIEVES WHO CARRY OUT THESE CRIMES? STAY 100% ANONYMOUS BY TELLING US WHAT YOU KNOW. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE FROM THEFT.

Burglary

Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence. 

Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.

“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT A PLANNED CRIME, OR HAVE SEEN A CRIME TAKE PLACE AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Car crime

Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise. 

Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.

Barrie Millett, Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, Mitie, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.  

“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.” 

Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

New drivers urged to avoid car insurance scams on social media

  • The IFB is warning new drivers to watch out for a rising scam known as ‘Ghost Broking’ which involves bogus car insurance deals being sold on social media, as it could cost them their first car. 
  • The warning comes as hundreds of thousands of learners get set to pass their driving tests as they catch up from the disruption caused by Covid-19.
  • The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) also provides comment.
  • Statistics and campaign content can be found in the notes to newsroom. 

The Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) is urging new drivers to watch out for bogus car insurance deals being promoted on social media, as hundreds of thousands of learners* get set to pass their tests following a year of disruption caused by Covid-19.

Fake car insurance sales known as ‘Ghost Broking’ is a growing scam which involves fraudsters pretending to be Insurance Brokers in order to sell unrealistically cheap and completely fake policies, often to younger drivers via Facebook and Instagram.

With a large influx of new drivers on the horizon following confirmation from the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) that driving test centres face an unprecedented challenge to reduce waiting times left by the pandemic, the IFB is warning new motorists to be vigilant to bogus car insurance deals on social media as it could cost them their first car.

Stephen Dalton, Head of Intelligence and Investigations at the IFB, said: “The last thing new drivers need right now is to risk losing their car for no insurance because they’ve been duped by a scammer on social media.

“Drivers must carry out basic checks to make sure they’re buying car insurance through a trusted provider, or they’ll be making a very expensive mistake.

“I encourage anyone who’s seen evidence of an insurance scam to report it to the IFB’s confidential Cheatline online or on 0800 422 0421.” 

Mark Magee, Head of Driver Policy at the DVSA, said: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving.

“As well as ensuring you have the skills, knowledge and understanding attitude to drive safely, having valid insurance is of the utmost importance when you drive on your own.

“Check to make sure insurance brokers are genuine before parting with your money.”

Learner drivers in a driving school are typically covered by their instructor’s insurance policy, until they pass their test and need to take out motor insurance for their first car. With a rush of new drivers approaching and with so many people facing financial hardship, the IFB is concerned it will provide fertile ground for ‘Ghost Broker’ scammers.

Fraudsters often tempt younger people with their bogus car insurance deals by promoting unrealistically cheap prices up front, despite the fact insurance is meant to be priced based on the risk of the individual. They often then encourage contact with them through popular end-to-end encrypted messaging software such as WhatsApp.

The IFB which is a not-for-profit organisation that works with the police to crackdown on organised insurance scams has seen its investigations into ‘Ghost Broking’ double since 2016, and the scam has remained prevalent throughout the pandemic.

IFB investigations have found cash-strapped young drivers forking out hundreds of pounds for car insurance that in reality is worth no more than a photoshopped piece of paper. In some cases scammers also use stolen personal information to take out policies which are then doctored before being sold on to customers.   

Driving without valid insurance is easily detected by police. Uninsured drivers can have their vehicle instantly seized and are likely to receive six licence points. They can also face court where they might receive an unlimited fine and a driving ban. Furthermore, an uninsured driving conviction will show on records and can affect job prospects.

If a collision is caused by the uninsured driver they may also be liable for covering the costs which can run into the thousands.   

Avoiding fake car insurance deals

New drivers are urged to avoid deals on social media or messaging apps and to only purchase car insurance through reputable sellers.

Anyone with evidence of an insurance scam can contact the IFB’s Cheatline which is quick, easy and confidential to use.

The Cheatline can be contacted online or via phoneline (powered by Crimestoppers) on 0800 422 0421.

Don’t let thieves steal our summer

Thieves operate all year round. That’s why this summer Crimestoppers are launching a new seasonal acquisitive crime campaign, ‘Safer Communities’: 

We’ll be raising awareness of our anonymous service and sharing prevention advice from our partners Mitie and Neighbourhood Watch to help protect you, your home and car from opportunistic thieves.

As lockdown eases and we leave our homes this summer, we need to protect ourselves and possessions from crime. The pandemic has brought neighbours together, and we don’t want that to stop – you can still be neighbourly by looking out for each other’s homes when you go on holiday. 

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THE CRIMINALS BEHIND ANY OF THE BELOW CRIMES, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW – CALL 0800 555 111 OR USE THE ONLINE FORM HERE ON OUR WEBSITE. YOU’LL STAY 100% ANONYMOUS. ALWAYS.

With your help we’ve helped reunite people with stolen goods, made communities safer and brought people to justice.

THEFT

Lockdown easing is likely to result in a rise in interpersonal crimes like snatch-theft and assault, as people go out more in the evening and have a few drinks with friends. 

When we’ve all been used to not going out as much as usual, it’s easy to forget to keep an eye on your handbag, wallet, mobile phone or purse – and thieves are always on the lookout for new opportunities.

DO YOU HAVE INFORMATION ON THIEVES WHO CARRY OUT THESE CRIMES? STAY 100% ANONYMOUS BY TELLING US WHAT YOU KNOW. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN KEEP YOU AND YOUR POSSESSIONS SAFE FROM THEFT.

BURGLARY

Domestic burglary may be perceived as a victimless crime; however, 84% of victims feel emotionally affected after a burglary, with 35% feeling vulnerable, resulting in a lack of confidence. 

Burglars keep an eye out for empty and unprotected properties and, now that we’re starting to go out more, they are likely to step up their surveillance – but, by speaking up, together we can all help to combat this.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch, said: “Now that we’re all starting to ease out of Covid-19 restrictions, we need to make sure that as well as keeping ourselves safe, we’re keeping our homes and neighbourhoods safe.

“More people out and about means homes will be left unattended, and burglary may rise, which is why we’re supporting Crimestoppers’ Safer Communities campaign.”

IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT A PLANNED CRIME, OR HAVE SEEN A CRIME TAKE PLACE AND WANT TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, TELL US WHAT YOU KNOW.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR HOME, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

CAR CRIME

Did you know? In the UK, a car is stolen on average every ten minutes, and catalytic converter theft is on the rise. 

Catalytic converter theft doesn’t just happen outside residential properties, it can happen in car parks too. Earlier this year OPAL, a national intelligence unit focused on serious organised acquisitive crime, reported a national increase in these types of offences across both locations.

Barrie Millett, Mitie Director of Assurance, Security and Business Services, said: “Our business crime unit at Mitie is tackling catalytic converter theft for our clients. Last year they saw an increase in this activity between July and October, when lockdown restrictions eased, in line with national trends.  

“As Covid restrictions get lifted once more, we urge our customers, clients and staff to stay vigilant, follow prevention advice, and tell Crimestoppers what you know if you have information about the criminals carrying out these crimes.”

Whilst you’re out and about this summer, stay alert and follow Neighbourhood Watch’s simple protection advice – to keep your car locked, lit and empty. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO PROTECT YOUR CAR FROM CATALYTIC CONVERTER THEFT, AND WHAT USEFUL INFORMATION YOU CAN TELL US ABOUT THIS CRIME.

Usdaw and Crimestoppers unite to challenge abuse of shopworkers

Retail trade union Usdaw has welcomed the launch of a joint campaign by Crimestoppers Scotland to raise awareness and stop abuse of shopworkers. The key message is to ‘speak up 100% anonymously about attacks on shopworkers’.

The independent charity Crimestoppers Scotland joint campaign comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill, which was successfully steered through the Scottish Parliament by Daniel Johnson MSP (Labour, Edinburgh Southern). The campaign is supported by Usdaw, the Scottish Grocers’ Federation and the Scottish Government.

Usdaw’s 2020 survey of 2,729 shopworkers across the UK found that:

  • 88% experienced verbal abuse
  • 61% were threatened by a customer
  • 9% were assaulted.

Stewart Forrest, Usdaw’s Scottish Divisional Officer, says: “Retail staff have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, helping to keep our communities fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus. We owe them a debt of gratitude and abuse should never be a part of their job.

“The final results of our 2020 survey show that 9 in 10 shopworkers had been abused last year. So we very much welcomed the ground-breaking legislation to protect shopworkers from violence, threats and abuse, passed by the Scottish Parliament last month. Usdaw has campaigned for many years to secure these legal protections.

“Crucial to the new law having the desired impact is criminals understanding that assaulting and abusing shopworkers is totally unacceptable. So we welcome the opportunity to work with Crimestoppers Scotland, the Scottish Government, police and retailers to promote that message. Our hope is that this new legislation will result in retail staff getting the protection and respect they deserve.”

Angela Parker of Crimestoppers says: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.

“Please help us to help you by telling us, completely anonymously, what you know. You can talk to us by calling our UK Contact Centre which is open 24/7 on freephone 0800 555 111 or you can use our easy and secure anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Voices from the frontline: 

Some of the comments Scottish shopworkers shared when responding to Usdaw’s survey:

  • “Shouting, being dismissed, being spoken down to. Treated like scum.”
  • “We deal with everything – threatened to be stabbed after work, family threatened, grabbed by the neck and pushed against the wall.”
  • “Pandemic has brought out the worst behaviour in many people. Verbal abuse for limiting items during lockdown, making people queue and most for mask wearing.”
  • “Varies from comments such as stupid bitch, jobsworth, being told to f*** off or shut up.”
  • “Always about alcohol. The refusal to sell to an intoxicated person or when asking for age identification.”

The impact of abuse, threats and violence on retail staff will be highlighted in a new awareness-raising campaign.

It comes following the passing of the Protection of Workers (Scotland) Bill and findings from the Scottish Grocers Federation, which show a rise in reported attacks on staff in 2020.

Real life testimonies feature in the campaign emphasising the damaging effect this criminal behaviour has on retail staff.

The campaign is being delivered by Crimestoppers, Fearless and the Scottish Grocers Federation, and is being funded by the Scottish Government.

Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Shop workers play a crucial role in our communities and their outstanding dedication and sacrifice throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has only emphasised this.

“While overall violent crime is much lower than a decade ago, the Scottish Grocers Federation crime survey last year indicated an increase in verbal or physical abuse in 2020 among the sector. Such appalling behaviour is completely unacceptable and no one should have to experience it while doing their job. Like everyone else, shop workers are fully entitled to be able to work free from the threat of violence or abuse.

“Our awareness campaign encourages everyone to be respectful and think about how they interact with shop workers. For any shop worker who experience this type of criminal behaviour, we ask that they report it immediately to the Police or anonymously through CrimeStoppers or Fearless.org”

Dr John Lee of the Scottish Grocers Federation said: “The launch of this retail crime campaign is a major step forward in making our shops safer for retailers and customers.

“We are delighted that the Scottish Government is supporting the campaign and we are fully committed to making it a success. Shop staff should not have to put up with any form of abuse or threatening behaviour and we are calling on all our colleagues across the industry to report every incidence of retail crime.”

Angela Parker of CrimeStoppers said: “Everyone has the right to feel safe. Violence and aggression towards shop staff can often leave people traumatised with vital, local shops at risk of closing. We would encourage communities to speak up to our charity 100 % anonymously if they know or suspect who is responsible.”