Crime

Welsh shop workers face ‘surge in shoplifting linked violence and abuse’ says union

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2024

A NEW survey by retail trade union Usdaw has revealed disturbing figures on the abuse, threats, and violence endured by Welsh shop workers, with incidents increasingly linked to shoplifting. Released during Respect for Shop Workers Week, which runs from November 11 to 17, the statistics highlight a troubling trend that is impacting thousands of retail employees.

Usdaw’s survey, based on responses from over 4,000 retail staff, shows that in the past year:

69% experienced verbal abuse.
45% were threatened by customers.
17% were assaulted.

Usdaw General Secretary Paddy Lillis commented on the findings, saying: “Shop workers deserve far more respect than they receive. These reports from Welsh retail staff make grim reading. It is shocking to see over two-thirds of our members subjected to abuse, threats, and violence. Seven in ten of these incidents are related to theft, much of it tied to addiction and organised crime.”

Usdaw’s survey suggests that shoplifting is increasingly becoming a flashpoint for violence. Many shop workers report encountering hardened criminals who appear to steal goods “to order” or to fund addictions. According to the union, incidents are on the rise across Wales, with police-reported shoplifting up by 33% in the past year.

Usdaw member testimonies paint a vivid picture of the dangers faced on the shop floor:

One respondent described being “spat at, pushed against a wall, punched, and threatened with a knife.”
Another reported that, after refusing to sell alcohol, they were told to “F**k off” and threatened with a beating by a group of five.
Others spoke of being punched, spat on, and verbally abused, with threats that often left lasting emotional scars.

New measures on the horizon

Usdaw has been calling for greater legal protection for retail workers for years, and it appears these calls are finally being heard. The recent Crime and Policing Bill, announced in the King’s Speech, proposes to:

End the £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has been a source of frustration for retailers.
Introduce town centre banning orders for repeat offenders.
Allocate funding for tackling organised shoplifting and increase police presence in shopping areas.

“We welcome these new measures and hope they will provide much-needed protection,” said Mr. Lillis. “After 14 years of neglect under successive Tory governments, we are encouraged by the steps the new Labour government is taking to address the retail crime epidemic.”

As Christmas approaches—a time when retail crime tends to peak—Usdaw is urging the public to “respect shop workers” and remain calm as stores become busier.

Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 members, primarily in retail, launched its Freedom From Fear Campaign to tackle the growing issue of violence against shop workers. The final results of the 2024 survey are expected in March 2025.

Crime

Port and Crown Estate join forces to tackle marine fly-tipping in Castle Pill

Published

19 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Rieve Nesbitt-Marr

Five derelict vessels set for removal as pilot project targets growing safety and environmental risks

A JOINT operation has been launched to tackle marine fly-tipping and the growing problem of derelict vessels in the Milford Haven Waterway.

The Port of Milford Haven and The Crown Estate have teamed up for a pilot project targeting Castle Pill, a tidal inlet connected directly to the main port channel, where abandoned boats and illegally dumped waste have become an increasing concern.

Officials say the presence of derelict and poorly managed vessels poses serious risks not only to the environment but also to maritime safety and port operations, with fears that unsecured boats could break free and drift into the busy navigational channel.

The project will involve monitoring, enforcement, and removal work, alongside preventative measures aimed at stopping further fly-tipping.

At least five derelict vessels are scheduled to be removed from Castle Pill. The Port has warned that the boats are at immediate risk of breaking loose during spring tides, potentially causing disruption and danger if they enter the main channel.

Brian Macfarlane, Harbour Patrol Officer at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Derelict vessels are a serious and unpredictable safety and environmental risk.

“Unlit and poorly maintained boats can break free, sink, or drift into navigational channels with little warning, endangering crews, disrupting port operations, and threatening the environmentally protected waters of the Milford Haven Waterway.”

Ryan Pratt, Coastal and Leisure Portfolio Manager at The Crown Estate, said the partnership was an important step in safeguarding the coastline.

He said: “Caring for our marine and coastal environment is vital so future generations can continue to benefit.

“This partnership provides a practical, effective response to fly-tipping and abandoned vessels, helping to protect sensitive habitats and the people who depend on safe, reliable waterways.”

The pilot scheme forms part of a wider effort to improve environmental protection, prevent pollution, and ensure the safe management of marine assets across the Milford Haven Waterway.

Crime

Teenager banned from roads after being caught six times over drug-drive limit

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A DOCK teenager has lost his licence after driving his vehicle on the Cleddau Bridge when he was six times over the legal drug-drive limit.

Gethin Moseley, 19, was stopped by officers carrying out random traffic checks on the bridge on January 24. Smelling cannabis emanating from his Mazda, a roadside drugs swipe was carried out which proved positive Subsequent blood tests showed that Moseley had 14 mcg of Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in his system, the legal limit being 2.

Moseley, of Milton Terrace, Pembroke Dock, pleaded guilty to drug-driving when he appeared before Haverfordwest magistrates this week. He was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill who informed the Bench that the defendant only uses cannabis recreationally or socially. He has no previous convictions.

Moseley was fined £249 and ordered to pay a £100 court surcharge and £85 costs. He was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Drunk motorist arrested at Pembrokeshire petrol station

Published

2 days ago

May 13, 2026

Sarah Jane Absalom

A Johnston motorist has appeared before magistrates after being caught driving when he was almost twice the legal drink-drive limit.

Police received a call at around 11am on April 23 from a member of the public concerned that local resident Martin Phelps, 55, was driving after consuming alcohol.

“He was at the petrol station and the member of the public was concerned that he was drunk,” Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan told Haverfordwest magistrates this week.

“When they arrived, they could see he was unsteady on his feet and had trouble getting into his parked vehicle.”

When spoken to by the officers, Phelps admitted drinking alcohol earlier that morning. Subsequent breathalyser tests carried out at the police station, showed that Phelps had 68 mcg of alcohol in his system, the legal limit being 35.

Phelps, of Langford Road, Johnston, pleaded guilty to drink-driving and was represented in court by solicitor Jess Hill.

“He’s had a troublesome relationship with alcohol which has increased over the years,” she told the court.

“He’s engaged with the Dyfed Drugs and Alcohol Advisory Service and Alcoholics Anonymous over the years, and this incident has been a wake up call for him.”

Phelps was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £120. He must also pay £85 court costs and a £48 surcharge. He was disqualified form driving for 17 months.