Charter Walk Shopping Centre in Burnley is proud to take the lead in the retail industry by spearheading a vital zero-tolerance campaign against violence towards shopworkers. Working in close collaboration with Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Constabulary, and Burnley BID, Charter Walk is committed to making a real difference in protecting retail employees and creating a safer shopping environment for everyone.
This initiative launches as part of the first national Business Crime Reduction Partnership Week, an important moment that highlights the impact of crime on businesses and the collective efforts to combat it. By reinforcing strong partnerships between retail destinations, local authorities, and law enforcement, Charter Walk is setting a precedent for proactive crime prevention within shopping centres.
The campaign aligns with recent developments in national legislation, following the introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill, which includes a new specific offence for assaulting retail workers. Charter Walk welcomes this crucial step forward and applauds the advocacy efforts of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers, the Co-op, and the Association of Convenience Stores in bringing this issue to the forefront.
In addition to supporting legislative changes, this campaign strengthens the work of Operation Vulture, Lancashire Police’s dedicated initiative to tackle retail crime. Through increased patrolling in hotspot areas, proactive targeting of prolific offenders, and prioritising incidents of violence, Charter Walk and its partners are taking decisive action to safeguard retail workers and customers alike.
Debbie Hernon, Centre Manager of Charter Walk Shopping Centre, has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. She stated:
“We have a strong Business Crime Reduction Partnership in Burnley that actively addresses and documents town centre crime while supporting all partner agencies involved. This campaign is a vital extension of those efforts, ensuring that shopworkers who play a crucial role in our community receive the protection and respect they deserve.
Retail workers should never have to tolerate abuse or violence in their workplace. This campaign is about acknowledging their essential contribution, fostering kindness in retail spaces, and making it clear that abusive behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, emphasised the importance of collaboration in addressing these issues:
“The fight against retail crime is gaining momentum thanks to robust partnerships like this one between policing and retailers, alongside recent government commitments to strengthen legal protections for shopworkers.
Retail crime, from shoplifting to harassment and anti-social behaviour, has consistently been a major concern for the public. In my Police and Crime Plan for Lancashire, I committed to supporting a new offence specifically for assaults against shopworkers. For too long, retail employees have suffered the effects of crime and abuse. We are working to ensure that offenders face consequences and that business owners, staff, and customers feel confident in police response.”
Burnley BID Project Manager, Laura Diffey, highlighted the collective effort behind the campaign:
“Our Business Crime Reduction Partnership, delivered in collaboration with Burnley Business Improvement District (BID), Lancashire Police, Burnley Council, and other stakeholders, is dedicated to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour that negatively impacts businesses, employees, and the local economy.”
Burnley Neighbourhood Inspector, Matt Plummer, reinforced Lancashire Police’s commitment:
“As part of Operation Vulture, we will continue to take firm action against retail crime, which has a significant impact on businesses, shop staff, and the wider community.
This kind of behaviour has no place in Burnley, and we will do everything possible to ensure that our town remains safe and welcoming for all who live, work, and visit here.”
Through this bold initiative, Charter Walk Shopping Centre is setting a new standard in the industry, demonstrating the power of strong partnerships, proactive crime reduction strategies, and a shared commitment to protecting the hardworking individuals who keep our retail spaces thriving.
