The police, the council and Southampton’s BID have been working together to curb violence to shop workers and retail thefts.

Hampshire police, Southampton’s Business Improvement District (BID), GO! Southampton, and the City Council have teamed up to make Southampton city centre a safer place for shop workers.

This comes after a 50 per cent increase in the levels of violence and abuse aimed at retail staff across the country.

Daily Echo: Richard Inglis, director of three Co-Op Welcome Stores in Southampton Richard Inglis, director of three Co-Op Welcome Stores in Southampton (Image: NQ)

Back in October of 2023, shopkeeper Richard Inglis told the Echo of a terrifying incident which saw a member of his team facing a shoplifter brandishing a knife.

He said: "At our store on Harbour Parade, a well-known offender decided to break into our storeroom.

“When she was approached by a member of staff, she pulled out a knife.

“We have seen staff spat on, punched, kicked, pushed, knives pulled – it has become a huge problem, and the sky is the limit in terms of violence and abuse.”

READ MORE: Southampton City Council to increase cost of parking and garden waste

The Safer Business Action Day, held on Thursday, March 14, will once again bring police and partners together with Southampton’s businesses for a day devoted to deterring crime in the city centre.

Stephen Manion, Executive Director at GO! Southampton, said: “We take Safer Business Action Days seriously and we’re committed to reducing retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Southampton.

“Safety is of huge importance to the shops, retailers and eateries we work with in the city centre.”

The latest action day comes after Southampton Police launched the City Centre Unit - a new unit dedicated to reducing retail crimes in the city and violence towards shop staff.

Daily Echo: Hampshire police, GO! Southampton and security staff at the shoplifting day of action outside the BargateHampshire police, GO! Southampton and security staff at the shoplifting day of action outside the Bargate (Image: RCM Agency)The unit has been up and running for three months and the team has made more than 136 arrests, which has resulted in 37 offenders charged and remanded into custody.

Southampton Chief Inspector Marcus Kennedy said: “Retail crime is a priority for us and we hope to disrupt many of our key perpetrators during the day of action.

“This work will not stop and we’ll continue to keep up the pressure on those known for committing these crimes.”