The National Business Crime Centre (NBCC) is urging retailers to make full use of its free online training and crime-prevention tools as shops head into one of the most challenging periods of the year for staff.
The call comes as the latest British Retail Consortium (BRC) crime survey reports 1,300 incidents of abuse and violence against shopworkers every day, with the run-up to Christmas expected to intensify pressure on frontline retail teams.
To support staff, the NBCC has released a series of short training videos designed to help retail workers manage difficult situations, de-escalate flashpoints and stay safe. Each video is under four minutes and focuses on one of four themes:
- Personal safety and de-escalation
- Refusing service
- Deterring and interacting with thieves
- Handling disruptive behaviour
The resources are freely available to view and download via the NBCC website.
Retailers can also access a comprehensive Framework for Employers, a practical step-by-step guide designed to help businesses prevent violence and abuse in retail settings. It includes detailed guidance on post-incident support, emphasising the need for employers to ensure incidents are reported, risks analysed, and appropriate care put in place for any affected staff member.
The NBCC has also partnered with the Crown Prosecution Service to develop a standard witness statement template for submitting CCTV evidence through Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMS), helping retailers provide the most effective evidence to police. A detailed guide on what information to provide when reporting a crime – and when to call 999 – is also available.
The push for improved safety and reporting follows the publication of SaBA Week 2025 results, which saw more than 1,100 arrests made nationwide during the police-led crackdown on retail crime.
The NBCC has a dedicated Shopworker Safety section bringing all these resources together.