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Waitrose and John Lewis is reportedly offering free hot drinks and discounted food to on-duty police officers who visit its stores in a bid to cut shoplifting and violence against staff, according to the Times.
The news comes after Waitrose reported that assaults on its employees have roughly “doubled” since 2020.
The retailers hope that the new initiative will deter thieves as they see police vehicles parked outside the stores.
In a letter to the Police Federation, John Lewis Partnership has said that officers can bring a reusable cup to get free hot beverages at the Waitrose coffee machines.
They can also use the John Lewis staff subsidised canteen and have hot meals for £2 and £3, and use the staff seating areas and bathrooms.
Additionally, John Lewis told the Times that the company has already hired more security guards and “security-trained” people, upgraded the CCTV, and distributed body-worn cameras to employees who wish to use them.
According to the British Retail Consortium, about 850 incidents of violence or abuse against shop workers are recorded every day in Britain.
Nicki Juniper, the head of security for John Lewis Partnership, said: “Offering these perks is a win-win. The police already work incredibly hard so will have more options to take a break, while also building even better relationships with our frontline teams. Just having a police car parked outside can make people think twice about shoplifting from our branches.”
