Sports store employees are facing a concerning trend of violent attacks by thieves, as per recent data findings. The analysis of police reports highlights that workers at the prominent retail chains JD Sports and Sports Direct have been victims of numerous incidents over the past year. The incidents involve thieves resorting to physical violence, such as punching, biting, and racial abuse, while attempting to steal high-end sneakers and sportswear from the stores.

The collected information from a Freedom of Information request disclosed over 200 violent occurrences associated with these two retailers in the previous year. Specifically, 144 incidents were tied to Sports Direct, and 73 to JD Sports. The Metropolitan Police reported the highest number of incidents, with 55 cases occurring across both chains.

However, the actual number of incidents may be significantly higher, as 16 out of the 43 police forces in England and Wales could not provide data from their records. In a notable case, a 31-year-old individual named Jordan Lytollis was sentenced to 27 months in prison by Liverpool Crown Court for a series of thefts from sports shops, culminating in him threatening staff with a metal bar.

Another case involved Corey Pountney, 34, from Chippenham, who received a 28-month prison term from Salisbury Crown Court for assaulting a staff member during a confrontation over stolen goods. Subsequent searches found him in possession of Class A drugs and a demagnetizer. Pountney pleaded guilty to robbery, drug possession, equipment possession, and theft charges, and was issued a five-year restraining order.

Various incidents across different regions also emerged, including an attack in Cornwall resulting in a broken nose and chipped teeth for a staff member. In Bedfordshire, a worker faced hair loss and suspected concussion after being allegedly dragged by the hair during a theft of clothing worth £800. Additionally, in Norfolk, a staff member intervened in a theft case and was physically assaulted by the perpetrator, sustaining a cut lip.

Commenting on the situation, Usdaw general secretary Joanne Thomas emphasized the impact of retail crime on staff, highlighting that a significant portion of attacks stem from theft or armed robbery. The continuous exposure to such offenses can lead to emotional and physical harm, affecting the well-being of retail workers.

Earlier statements by Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, underscored the prevalent sense of “fear” among shop staff due to such incidents. When approached for comments, Sports Direct and JD Sports opted not to respond.

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