Businesses need further guidance on Victims’ Code: ACS  

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has sought further guidance for businesses in the proposed Victims’ Code update, while retaining the recognition of businesses as victims of crime.

Responding to a consultation by the Ministry of Justice on improving the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (Victims’ Code), the ACS said the support for businesses as victims of crime was an “important step in undermining the perception that business crime is victimless.”

However, businesses need further guidance on issues like application of the Code, providing a named point of contact and different options available including in the case of Impact Statement for Business, the ACS said.

“We believe the revisions to the Code are positive but further supporting guidance delivered specifically for businesses on their rights under the Code, how they apply and where they can access further support is needed,” the submission read.

The consultation proposes restructuring the Code into 12 overarching rights that all victims should receive in response to an earlier consultation held last year.

The ACS welcomed the proposal, noting that the revised Code makes it easier for shop workers who are victims of violence, abuse and crime to access support.

“We welcome the restructuring of the Victims’ Code to make it easier for shop workers and retailers to get the support they need and communicate the impact that crime has had on their lives and communities,” commented James Lowman, chief executive of the ACS.

“We are calling on the government and Police and Crime Commissioners to do more tackle violence against shop workers by introducing tougher penalties, review the out of court disposals system and prioritising retail crime in local policing strategies.”

Findings from the ACS’ 2020 Crime Report show that 83 percent of people who work in the convenience sector have been subjected to verbal abuse over the last year and there were over 50,000 incidents of violence estimated in the sector, with 25 percent of incidents resulting in injury.