1. Crime and violence in shops, shopping malls and inner cities as well as burglaries in warehouses, of vending machines and of delivery vehicles, up to violent attacks on delivery personnel, are an increasing problem which may have serious consequences for both employers and employees in commerce. Thefts and robberies from shops are on the increase and so is violent behaviour and aggression from customers. Violence is therefore a health and safety problem. EuroCommerce and EURO-FIET share a common interest for those working in commerce and believe that a close co-operation between the social partners and public authorities on the European and national levels is necessary to tackle the problems that may arise.

2. The increase in crime and violence from the public is a reflection of societal problems which cannot be solved easily but which need to be addressed by public authorities. Therefore, the social partners for commerce call on the public authorities at national and local level to pay attention to the problem of violence and crime.

3. In many parts of Europe, both within and outside the European Union, the struggle against organised crime has become a major issue also in tripartite co-operation between governments and the social partners. EuroCommerce and EURO-FIET draw attention to the increased threats to commerce enterprises and their employees posed by organised crime, such as the extortion of "protection money" and thefts.

4. EuroCommerce and EURO-FIET draw attention to the obligations for employers to protect the health and safety of their employees, and recognise the benefits of continuous social dialogue on the European level to monitor developments and to suggest remedies and solutions to crime and violence directed at commerce and the employees working in it.

5. Firm action to combat crime and violence against people working in commerce is needed also on the national level. EuroCommerce and EURO-FIET believe that tripartite co-operation is a useful way forward. Through this co-operation guidelines for dealing with crime and violence at commerce work places and inner cities could be a practical way of helping employers and employees to prevent incidents and to deal with them if they occur. The issue should also be raised in training to make sure that those who work in commerce are conscious about how to deal with the problem, and that employees are aware of their obligations in this respect. EuroCommerce and EURO-FIET are prepared to participate actively in the development of any European level materials or other initiatives taken in this respect. It is important that employees are properly instructed to enable them to behave correctly in a risk situation. Adequate information and guidelines about the risks of violence and procedures for cash-handling and dealing with suspect shop lifters and robbers are also important. Priority shall be given to protecting the health and safety of the employees involved.

6. The problems connected with crime and violence should be dealt with in individual workplaces, as the situation differs considerably from one outlet to another. The physical lay-out of shops, lighting and security devices, monitoring equipment and staffing are some of the factors which are recommended to be taken into account when considering how to deal with the problem of violence. Special attention should be drawn to money transfers. Through using qualified personnel or authorised security companies risks can be minimised.

7. Three general stages can be identified for the process of dealing with crime and violence against commerce:

1. Identify the risk; then
2. reduce the risk; and finally
3. deal with any after effects.

8. Records of incidents of violence that take place at a work-place should be kept. Where procedures exist, the incidents should be adequately reported.

9. National authorities should pay attention to the problems and establish proper after-care programmes, in consultation with the social partners, which include support and counselling for employees who have been subjected to violence.

10. EuroCommerce and EURO-FIET call on the public authorities to pay increasing attention to solving the problem of crime and violence, such as robberies and shop thefts, in and around shops and shopping areas. The European Social Partners for commerce are prepared to support initiatives which aim at creating a safer shopping environment for all. Both employers and employees should contribute to creating a safe environment.