Fed welcomes Respect Orders but calls for lasting action on anti-social behaviour

(The Fed’s National President, Hemanshu Patel).

The Fed has welcomed the introduction of new Respect Orders to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour but warned that the real test will be whether they make a lasting difference to independent retailers.

The new powers, which came into force yesterday (Monday, October 26), will allow police and local authorities to take stronger action against repeat offenders, including banning them from town centres and high streets.

Breaching a Respect Order will be a criminal offence, with police able to arrest offenders who fail to comply. Courts will also be able to impose restrictions such as curfews and require offenders to address the underlying causes of their behaviour.

Responding to the announcement, Fed National President Hemanshu Patel said: “We welcome additional powers for police and local authorities to tackle anti-social behaviour, particularly where persistent offenders are causing misery for retailers and their communities.

“However, retailers need to see a lasting difference, not just short-term activity.

“Shop theft, abuse, threats and damage to businesses continue to have a real impact on our members and their staff. Behind the figures are independent retailers trying to run their businesses and serve their communities.

“We must also recognise that recorded crime figures do not necessarily reflect the full picture, particularly where incidents go unreported or retailers feel that reporting them will make little difference.

“Our message is constructive, but clear. We welcome action from the government, police and local authorities, but the real test is whether crime is reduced, offenders are dealt with effectively and retailers feel safer in their own businesses.”

The Fed has repeatedly highlighted the impact of retail crime and anti-social behaviour on independent businesses, including the financial costs of damage, increased insurance premiums and the loss of customers deterred from visiting stores.

A previous Fed survey found that 72 per cent of respondents had experienced shoplifting, break-ins, property damage or physical and verbal threats, while 91 per cent called for more police patrols on streets.

The Fed hopes the new powers will help tackle persistent offending and give retailers greater confidence that action will be taken when incidents are reported.