Crime

Retail workers in Wales face rising abuse as new survey reveals shocking figures

Published

2 months ago

March 18, 2026

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.

Crime

70-year-old denies assault and restraining order breach

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

A PENSIONER from Pembroke Dock has denied breaching a restraining order and assaulting another man.

Henry Howlett, 70, of Market Street, appeared before Swansea Crown Court today (Friday, May 1), charged with breaching a restraining order and common assault.

The charges relate to an alleged incident on November 9 last year.

Howlett has previously appeared before magistrates in connection with a separate alleged incident involving a neighbour.

Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court previously heard that a dispute arose on July 17 after neighbour Steven Bromhall was washing his car outside his home in Market Street.

Prosecutor Nia James told the court that, as a taxi arrived to collect Howlett, the driver opened the window while passing and Mr Bromhall inadvertently sprayed the taxi driver with water from a hosepipe.

“The taxi driver started remonstrating, and the defendant then began waving his walking stick in the air, towards Mr Bromhall,” she said.

The court heard Mr Bromhall sustained an injury to his back, although it remained unclear whether he had been struck by Howlett’s stick.

Howlett pleaded not guilty to common assault in relation to that incident and was released on unconditional bail. A trial date was set at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court.

At Swansea Crown Court today, His Honour Judge P H Thomas KC asked Howlett whether he was legally represented.

“I can’t find anyone decent, I’m still searching, my lord,” Howlett replied.

When the court attempted to take his pleas, Howlett repeatedly interrupted in an effort to give an explanation, prompting the judge to tell him: “Be quiet, Mr Howlett.”

Howlett then pleaded not guilty to the charges, telling the court: “Definitely not guilty.”

As he left the courtroom, Howlett said: “I will get the truth out and I hope you all hang your heads in shame… this is all fixed.”

A trial date was set for January 14, 2027.

Crime

Crymych parent denies failing to comply with school attendance order

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A CRYMYCH parent has denied failing to comply with a school attendance order, a court has heard.

The defendant appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged under the Education Act 1996.

The court heard that the defendant is accused of failing, as a parent, to ensure that a child attended school in accordance with the requirements of a School Attendance Order.

It is alleged that after being served with the order, the defendant did not comply within the required 15-day period.

A plea of not guilty was entered.

Magistrates adjourned the case for a case management hearing, which is scheduled to take place at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, May 14.

A reporting restriction remains in force.

Crime

Cockle fisherman fined £3,450 for multiple breaches at protected site

Published

1 day ago

May 1, 2026

Court Reporter

A GOODWICK man has been ordered to pay £3,450 after breaching fishing regulations at a protected cockle fishery.

Richard William Edwards, 45, of Goodwick, appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates charged with a series of offences at the Burry Inlet cockle fishery.

The court heard that Edwards had fished for cockles without a valid permit and breached conditions imposed under fisheries management rules. He was also found to have used an unauthorised vehicle in the fishery area, contrary to restrictions in place to protect the site.

Magistrates were told the offences took place on September 9, 2025, within the Burry Inlet Cockle Fishery, a designated and regulated area subject to strict controls.

Edwards was fined £1,000 and ordered to pay a victim services surcharge of £800, along with costs of £650, bringing the total to £3,450. A collection order was made.

The case was brought under fisheries legislation including the Cockle Fisheries Management and Permitting (Specified Area) (Wales) Order 2024.

The court heard that Edwards had been in breach of a prohibition imposed by the permitting system and had failed to comply with the terms of his permit.

The offences are part of ongoing enforcement efforts to protect the sustainability of cockle stocks and ensure compliance within the fishery.