'I've been punched and spat at by customers'

Retail manager Deon Stephens said staff are under threat all year round

More police on the streets is "not a want, but a need", a Belfast retail manager has said.

The Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI) has recently launched Operation Season's Greetings - its annual safety drive to protect the public and workers.

The scheme will see an increased presence of officers in towns and cities throughout Northern Ireland over the festive period.

Deon Stephens, who has worked in retail in the city for 15 years, said staff are under threat all year round, adding that he has been "punched, spat at, and called names" by customers.

Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said officers will be "out and about" to prevent thefts and anti-social behaviour in busy shopping and nightlife areas, as well as helping people get home safely.

The scheme prioritises public safety, road safety and will work in conjunction with Project Vigilant which aims to tackle violence against women and girls.

'Lack of police on the streets'

Deon Stephens said there are simply not enough officers in the city centre.

"Look around now, there's none, there are none to be seen, but there is a shoplifter within this crowd there is no doubt."

Mr Stephens said the clothing store he manages is a regular target by shoplifters.

He said it is a "bitter pill to swallow" when items are stolen, but as a retailer you "can't just turn a blind eye" to shoplifting because of a "lack of police on the streets".

"You have got to apprehend that person, you've got to get your product back," he added.

Business owner Olivia Burns said staff safety is a big concern for her

Olivia Burns opened her store selling candles and reed diffusers in Belfast city centre earlier this year.

This being her first Christmas on the street, Ms Burns said she had not noticed a problem with shoplifting but said there are other safety concerns.

"We are a team of girls here at Olivia's Haven, so we definitely welcome a bigger police presence especially in the lead up to Christmas," she said.

"There's a lot more homelessness, there's a lot more drinking and drugs in the city centre so from that point of view, it just gives a lot more comfort and security when we are in the store and locking up at night time."

Ms Burns said she understands the financial pressures in terms of policing but would like as many officers on the streets as possible.

Conor Brown says that shoplifting is a real problem at Christmas time

Conor Brown, who manages a chemist, said they experience a high volume of theft during the festive period.

"It always happens first thing in the morning, they would be in and out, like that," he said.

Earlier this week, Mr Brown said someone stole two gift sets from the store.

The person was caught by police, however, the goods were damaged and could not be sold.

Mr Burns told BBC News NI that increased police patrols are "crucial", adding that even the presence of officers would act as a deterrent.

Glyn Roberts said retail staff work exceptionally hard and long hours over the Christmas period

"Sadly in the last year we've seen a big spike in the amount of physical and verbal abuse that shop staff have to endure," said Glyn Roberts from Retail NI.

"They are working exceptionally hard and very long hours to make sure that people get products and their food.

"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, particularly when it hits an independent retailer whose margins are always very tight, it has a real impact."