Crime commissioner condemns threats towards Co-op staff in Derbyshire

The Co-op, which operates dozens of stores across the area, is continuing its campaign to keep staff and customers safe by letting it be known that any type of crime from burglaries to violence and aggression towards staff would ‘not be tolerated’.

The local retailer has revealed it is working closely with the police and crime commissioner to tackle this issue.

Derbyshire police and crime commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa said: “Throughout lockdown shopworkers have been subjected to both verbal and physical abuse simply for complying with government guidance.

"This is unacceptable.

"Without these courageous people continuing to work simply buying essential goods would have been nearly impossible.

“Abuse, in any form, is never appropriate, and no-one should be victim to this type of behaviour simply for doing their job.”

New figures have seen assaults jump by 100 per cent, threats and intimidation by 25 per cent and verbal abuse by 175 per cent since the start of the year.

Mr Dhindsa added: "I urge people to come forward and report incidents of this kind to the police. They will take it seriously I assure everyone.

“Personally, I would like to thank all those who have carried on going to work during the pandemic.

"They have been largely unrecognised heroes and fully deserve our respect and gratitude for keeping people stocked with essential items.”