The UK government yesterday announced a retail crime crackdown, with assaulting a retail worker to be punishable with up to six months’ imprisonment, an unlimited fine and criminal behaviour orders barring offenders from visiting specific premises.

A similar standalone offence already exists in Scotland under a 2021 Act of the Scottish Parliament. The UK government previously said it did not see the case for following suit.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak said: “I am sending a message to those criminals — whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves — who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.

“Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse.”

Retail NI, which represents over 1,800 wholesalers, retailers and suppliers, has called for the legislation to also cover Northern Ireland.

Chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “This is a welcome announcement by the prime minister given the huge increase in the physical and verbal abuse of shop workers in England and Wales.

“Northern Ireland is now [sic] the only part of the UK not to have such laws to deter criminals and to protect shop staff.

“In two weeks’ time, Retail NI will be launching a comprehensive report on the experiences of our members relating to business crime. It will outline what the Department of Justice and PSNI need to do to tackle it.

“Top of our list is for this law to include Northern Ireland. Our shop staff deserve no less.”