NewstrAid highlights support available to retailers and their staff who are affected by shoplifting and retail crime

NewstrAid have been highlighting how its new Retailer Support Scheme can help retailers and shop staff who have experienced crime in the workplace.

Although the scheme cannot help with business debts, it can provide a wealth of emotional support as well as financial help if household funds are impacted by a drop in income due to shoplifting or retail crime.

Katie Babooram, Welfare Manager for NewstrAid, said, “We know that shoplifting and retail crime is a massive issue for retailers across the country and we are keen to provide whatever assistance we can through our new Retailer Support Scheme.”

The scheme has already helped numerous retailers who have been victims of crime to get back on track. This includes Dev, who confronted a shoplifter and was subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse and violently punched as they made their getaway. This hugely impacted his confidence and mental health as well as that of the staff who were present during the attack.

Katie Babooram continued: “Following an incident of shoplifting or retail crime, most shop owners are understandably focused on finding support for the business losses they may have incurred but it is important to acknowledge the emotional impact experiences like this can have on you and your staff. We were happy to help Dev and his staff by giving them access to the resources on our Wellbeing Website and our emotional support helpline which is manned by clinically trained counsellors.”

The Charity also acknowledges that dealing with business debts caused by retail crime can often have a knock-on effect for household finances. Katie Babooram concluded: “If an incident has caused a drop in your household income because, for example, you are dealing with shop closure or cannot work due to personal injury, our Retailer Support Scheme may be able to provide financial support for you and your family.”

Anyone looking for support should call 0800 917 8616 or visit www.newstraid.org.uk/retailer-support-scheme/. For more information about the Retailer Support Scheme, watch the short video.

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For Media information contact: Lindsay Rule; lindsay@newstraid.org.uk

About NewstrAid 

NewstrAid is a charity which aims to provide welfare for people who are, or have been, employed in the selling and distribution of newspapers and magazines in the UK and who find themselves in hardship. This includes their immediate family and dependants who are in need or in distress. The charity has been in existence since 1839 and counts Charles Dickens amongst its past Presidents. 2024 marks NewstrAid’s 185^th anniversary and in 2023 the charity was named ‘Charity of the Year’ at the ACO Awards.  www.newstraid.org.uk

NB Any beneficiary names used in this press release have been changed.