'We've been threatened from needles, knives', says shop owner
Shop workers across Wiltshire are being abused by customers
Wiltshire Police have announced that there are currently 27 criminal behaviour orders active across the county.
Many of these orders come from customers abusing shop workers around Swindon and the wider area.
One Swindon shop owner, who will remain anonymous explained the abuse that she has witnessed.
She said: "We've been threatened from needles, knives, anything for them to get away. People like me and my colleagues are putting our lives at risk."
Wiltshire Police released a video on their Facebook page, showing the criminal activity that leads to the behaviour orders.
The police released a statement, which said: "Instead of being able to go to work and safely complete the job in hand, many retail employees face persistent verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, and physical harm at the hands of shoplifters. This is simply not acceptable.
"How are we tackling retail crime in Wiltshire? One of the ways police can proactively address persistent shoplifting is by applying for a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) for prolific offenders.
"A CBO outlines certain restrictions to prevent re-offending. This can include the individual being excluded from a specific shop, chain of shops, or areas of town/city centres.
"CBO panels have been set up in Wiltshire by Force Leads on Business Crime, Inspector Louise Oakley and Inspector David Tippetts, where police meet with partner agencies to discuss an offender's suitability for a CBO.
"Partner agencies in attendance include probation, Connect (drug and alcohol dependency support), mental health advisors, and housing associations.
"The CBO panels provide a holistic approach, ensuring that each offender receives the correct support from the appropriate authorities before an application for a CBO is made to the courts.
Currently, there are 27 active CBOs in place across Wiltshire. If an individual with a CBO is in breach of their order, they are committing a criminal offence.
"We actively encourage retail workers and shoppers to report any individuals in breach of their CBO via the website."