Unions tell security staff not to bother stopping shoplifters over 'health and safety' fears

Instead, members have been urged to "watch, report and be an expert witness for police" - but to let the thieves go ahead amid the surge in shoplifting cases.

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The Security Industry Federation (SIF) told members to avoid putting "yourselves in harm's way for those who may not support you afterwards".

The Federation's General Secretary Daniel Garnham admitted the instruction contradicted the "instincts and principles of many good security professionals".

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Still, he added: "Someone else's stock is not more important than your safety, your career or your licence."

"Security workers cannot continue carrying all of the personal and professional risk while others avoid responsibility."

Meanwhile, retail union Usdaw has instructed members to "keep themselves safe" while urging them not to step in against "potentially dangerous criminals".

Just yesterday, speaking at the union's conference, Sir Keir Starmer declared: "It's disgraceful that people just working in their shop have to take abuse from customers.

"It's disgraceful that people feel sick to the stomach thinking about how they’re going to get through the day and it’s disgraceful that people can have their lives and livelihoods ruined by persistent shop theft."

_**MORE TO FOLLOW...**
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### IS BRITAIN LAWLESS? READ MORE:




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