LARGER chain stores are lending a hand to the smaller shopkeeper by sponsoring two new videos and information packs, designed to combat crime.

The initiative is aimed at reducing violent attacks on retailers in small, more vulnerable, outlets.

Entitled 'Stop Violence' and 'Counter Violence', the two videos are intended as national training packages to help front line staff and management minimise the risk of violence at work, and to reduce the risk of robbery, theft and consequent violence.

The initiative follows the 'Theft Stop' video. The original 42 minute video in the series covers shop theft and how to deal with it. Its release coincided last year with the number of arrests for theft in retail doubling to a national total of more than 1.7million.

'Stop Violence' consists of three main themes - 'How to design theft out of your shop', 'Using security products to safeguard your staff, cash and goods', and 'Safe cash handling and operating procedures'.

The 'Counter Violence' package concentrates on 'Situations that can lead to violence and how to react to them', 'Interpersonal skills to deal with aggression and violence' and 'How to react to a robbery'.

Both are available for £29.96 each (including post and packaging).

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