SHOP YOBS FACING JAIL

'Assaulting a retail worker' is new offence | Labour says plan is rehash of its ideas

- LIZZY BUCHAN

ASSAULTING a shop worker is to be made a specific offence as the Government tries to stem a flood of retail crimes – after years of blocking Labour’s efforts.

The maximum penalty – six months’ jail and/or an unlimited fine – is the same as for any common assault, but tweaks to the Criminal Justice Bill will allow other measures.

Criminal Behaviour Orders could ban abusive shoplifters from returning to the scene of the crime.

Breach of an order is already a criminal offence and carries a five-year maximum prison sentence.

Serial offenders who assault staff or are caught shoplifting three times could be made to wear electronic tags.