Union calls for stronger protection as shoplifting and violence surge

RETAIL workers across Wales are continuing to face alarming levels of abuse, threats and violence, according to new figures released today (Wednesday, Mar 18) by trade union Usdaw.

The union’s annual survey of 478 Welsh retail staff paints a stark picture of life on the shop floor, with incidents of abuse and intimidation remaining significantly higher than before the Covid pandemic.

The findings show that in 2025:

• 71% of workers experienced verbal abuse
• 40% were threatened
• 4% were physically assaulted

The report comes amid a sharp rise in shoplifting, which Usdaw says has more than doubled since the pandemic, contributing to an increasingly hostile environment for retail staff.

Workers responding to the survey described a catalogue of disturbing incidents, including threats of violence, sexual harassment, and physical attacks.

One worker reported being threatened after refusing a refund on a used item, while another described being subjected to explicit sexual remarks. Others recounted being pushed, having items thrown at them, or even being threatened with weapons.

In one case, a worker said they had been “punched, spat at, had a basket thrown at them and threatened with a knife,” while another described being followed and threatened by a group of youths after refusing a sale due to lack of identification.

Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas said the testimonies highlight a growing crisis facing shop workers.

She said: “It is difficult to read these accounts, but regrettably they are all too common. Nearly four in five retail workers are now experiencing violence, threats or abuse.

“No-one should feel afraid to go to work. Retail workers provide an essential service and deserve both respect and proper protection under the law.”

The union has welcomed proposals within the UK Government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which include stronger protections for shop workers, the removal of the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifting offences, and new powers such as Respect Orders for offenders.

Thomas added that progress is being made after years of campaigning, but criticised opposition parties for resisting the proposed measures.

She said: “It is encouraging that governments in both Cardiff Bay and Westminster are beginning to listen. However, it is difficult to understand why some opposition parties continue to oppose laws designed to protect retail staff.”

Across the UK, Usdaw’s wider survey of nearly 9,000 retail workers found the problem is even more widespread, with 78% reporting verbal abuse, 54% threats, and 11% assaults in 2025—figures all higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Usdaw’s Freedom from Fear campaign continues to push for greater protections, urging the public, employers and government to take action to tackle what it describes as an escalating crisis on Britain’s shop floors.

Haverfordwest man told police “women won’t have sex without force”

A HAVERFORDWEST man who raped a woman and a young boy and attempted to rape a child has been jailed for more than 21 years.

Talha Ahmadzai, aged 33, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on Monday (Mar 16) after admitting a series of serious sexual and violent offences committed in February last year.

The offences involved three victims — a woman, a girl and a boy.

Ahmadzai pleaded guilty to three counts of rape, rape of a child under 13, attempted rape of a child under 13, causing a child to watch a sexual act, assault by beating, and cruelty to a person under 16.

The court imposed an extended sentence of 21 years and seven months, comprising 19 years and seven months in custody followed by a two-year licence period. He must serve at least two-thirds of the custodial term before he can be considered for release by the Parole Board.

An indefinite restraining order was also imposed, banning him from any contact with his victims.

Shocking remarks to police

Following his arrest, Ahmadzai initially claimed the allegations had been fabricated. During police interview, he told officers: “Women won’t have sex without force.”

He also questioned the authority of the UK courts, stating that the acts he was accused of “were not offences in his country.”

“Catalogue of abhorrent offending”

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees described Ahmadzai’s actions as a “catalogue of abhorrent offending of the utmost seriousness.”

The court heard he had been “sexually preoccupied for a long time” and held “entrenched views,” with a pre-sentence report concluding he posed a high risk to the public.

Ahmadzai, who appeared via video link from a psychiatric hospital, has no previous convictions.

In mitigation, defence barrister David Singh said his client had committed “appalling offences of the most serious type” and suggested his behaviour followed a “psychotic episode,” for which he has since received treatment.

Police praise victims’ bravery

Detective Inspector Sarah Totterdale, of North Pembrokeshire CID, said: “Ahmadzai is clearly an incredibly dangerous and cruel individual, and the sentence he has received reflects this.

“I would like to commend the bravery and dignity shown by his victims, who courageously gave their evidence of their horrendous ordeals. To do so and relive their experience must have been incredibly traumatic.

“Thanks to their evidence, and the hard work of our detectives, we were able to secure this result and ensure he is no longer a danger to the public.”

Deportation to be considered

Judge Rees said the case would be referred to the Home Office to consider Ahmadzai’s deportation following completion of his sentence.

Dyfed-Powys Police said support is available for anyone affected by rape or sexual violence, and urged victims to come forward.

Victims quit jobs and suffer ongoing anxiety following incidents in Milford Haven store

TWO Pembrokeshire shop workers have described feeling “cheap, ashamed and scared” after being sexually assaulted by a customer, a court has heard.

One of the victims said the incident had left her struggling to cope, in a personal statement read to Haverfordwest magistrates.

“This whole matter has made me feel depressed and cheap,” she said.

“I’ve had to leave my job at the shop because the anxiety became overwhelming. When I think about what happened, I feel ashamed. I want the person responsible to understand the impact it’s had on me. He is the one who should feel ashamed and embarrassed, not me.”

Appearing before the court was John Mason, 76, who pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault committed between April 2024 and August 2025.

Prosecutors said Mason entered a shop in Milford Haven on two separate occasions and sexually assaulted two members of staff by grabbing their buttocks over their clothing.

In a second victim impact statement, the other woman described the lasting impact of the incident.

“I live quite near to him and have suffered anxiety since it happened, as I’m constantly aware he could be nearby,” she said.

“It’s always on my mind, and I don’t understand why he thought it was acceptable to behave like that.”

Mason, who has no previous convictions, was represented by solicitor Tom Lloyd.

“This is a man of previously good character, and this experience has been life-changing for him,” he said.

“He was playing golf with friends when he received a call from police. He immediately co-operated, made a full admission, and accepted that his behaviour was unacceptable.

“He has shown genuine remorse for the distress caused, which is not always seen. He is deeply sorry and will not come before the courts again.”

Magistrates ordered Mason, of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven, to pay £500 compensation to each victim. He was also fined £550, ordered to pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs, and made subject to a nine-month community order, including 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.