Female shop workers 'are facing abuse daily'

BUSINESSMAN SAYS FINDINGS 'SHOCKING'

- CARL EVE

A PLYMOUTH businessman – and former police officer – has said he was left shocked after female shopworkers admitted they were facing shoplifters on an almost daily basis.

The incident has highlighted growing concerns across the country at the rise in shoplifting and abuse suffered by shop workers – particularly women working alone or in small numbers.

Stuart Elford, the chief executive of Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, initially took to social media to highlight the issue, saying he had just gone to the aid of two female members of staff of a Co-op convenience store in Plymouth which he often frequents as they dealt with “two shoplifters who became aggressive”.

He explained on X: “One asked me if I wanted a fight. I think my face said it all. He ran away. I'm a big softie, but I hate bullies!"

Speaking to The Herald, Stuart confirmed the incident took place at Co-op store on the night of Sunday, June 14, "in between the tennis and the football' and he "quickly became aware" of an "odd-looking" couple.