Violent and abusive attacks on retail staff have almost doubled from pre-pandemic levels, a new crime survey has revealed.

More than 850 incidents have been recorded daily in the UK between 2021 and 2022, which include racial and sexual abuse, physical assault, and threats with weapons.

The shocking dangers faced by shop workers included a "petrified" worker at a Norwich bookmakers who "feared for her life" during an £5,000 armed robbery.

Eastern Daily Press: Christopher Passley was jailed for eight years for robbery of Norwich bookmakersChristopher Passley was jailed for eight years for robbery of Norwich bookmakers (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)

Meanwhile the owner of a Norfolk newsagent faced repeated racist abuse and physical attack by a customer in a long-running row over the winnings from a lottery ticket.

Abuse and violence against retail workers became an aggravated offence last year with the maximum penalty doubled from 12 months to two years under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act.

But the latest grim statistics, from the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Crime Survey, have prompted calls on the Home Office to do more to ensure this is properly enforced.

Urging police to “prioritise adequately resourcing retail crime”, Helen Dickinson, the BRC’s chief executive, said the physical and emotional impact of violent and abusive attacks can last a lifetime.

“Surely everyone deserves the right to go to work without fear,” she said.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich shopkeeper Imran Mohammed and (inset) his brother Aman who was attacked with a hammerNorwich shopkeeper Imran Mohammed and (inset) his brother Aman who was attacked with a hammer (Image: Newsquest)

The shocking level of violence workers can face was highlighted in 2021 when an assistant in a Norwich phone shop was punched in the face and attacked with a hammer.

His brother, Imran Mohammed, the owner of Mobile Clinic, said: “There should be a very harsh punishment. No one has a right to treat shop workers like this.”

A Home Office spokesperson said: “It is completely unacceptable to threaten or assault shop workers. We’ve recently put aggravated sentences for assaults on workers providing a service to the public into law, showing that these crimes will not be tolerated.

“We also launched the #ShopKind campaign to provide better support to victims, while encouraging customers to treat shop workers with dignity and respect.”