The State Duma called for the arming of retailers with stun guns due to increased attacks

Retailers must be armed with stun guns and aerosol dispensers due to the increase in attacks against them. With this proposal, the deputy chairman of the State Duma, Boris Chernyshov, turned to the Minister of Internal Affairs Vladimir Kolokoltsev, RIA Novosti reports, citing a copy of the letter.

“I consider it advisable to systematically consider the introduction of additional measures to ensure the safety of sellers, obliging the owners of grocery outlets, at the request of the seller, to equip them with protective measures that do not require special permits (electric shock, aerosol devices, etc.)” – reads the statement in the letter to Chernyszów .

He noted that there were more and more reports of attacks on grocery store employees in the news. One of the most high-profile cases was an attack on a salesman in a liquor store in Ufa, as a result of which a 19-year-old girl died from a knife wound.

The deputy reminded that the laws guarantee the Russians the right to the necessary defense. “Owners of convenience stores, trying to save money, forget about the safety of their employees, which can lead to tragedy in the future,” Chernyshov stressed, adding that after receiving stun guns or aerosols, employees of convenience stores will be able to gain confidence in their own safety and use of the law for self-defense.

After the start of the war in Ukraine, the number of thefts in Russian stores increased sharply, RBC wrote. Russians most often steal confectionery (19% of all cases), cold cuts (16%), alcohol (14%), cheese (13%), coffee and cocoa (7%). The average value of stolen goods increased by 25% to 1.5 thousand rubles.

Retailers are fighting theft by beefing up security, installing video surveillance systems and installing locks on high-value goods. In addition, locks must now be put on household chemicals and cosmetics.

“Of course, as the economic situation continues to deteriorate, things will get more complicated. There are not so many kleptomaniacs, poor people and young people who steal for lack of money or hooligan reasons,” said the co-owner of the Family and Spar network. Kaliningrad Oleg Ponomarev.