Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said the “tide could be turning” on shoplifting, pointing to a 17% rise in people charged for what has become a hot political issue. Speaking at a conference of the Usdaw trade union, which represents shopworkers, Starmer emphasised that CCTV footage that could be shared immediately with the police should be used more widely, adding that “the hope of technology” could make a difference.
Official figures reveal record shoplifting
Official figures last year revealed annual shoplifting offences in England and Wales had passed half a million for the first time. Starmer described the situation as “disgraceful”, noting that people working in shops have to endure abuse from customers, and that persistent shop theft can ruin lives and livelihoods. The Labour leader’s government is attempting to introduce a new offence of assaulting a retail worker.
Government action and criticism
Starmer highlighted the government’s decision to scrap “the ridiculous regulation” where stolen goods worth less than £200 would not be properly investigated. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge but noted that the number of people charged has risen by 17%, according to figures published last week. “In the latest stats shop theft is down. It’s only slightly down, but the tide could be turning,” he said.
However, the Conservatives accused Starmer of “a brazen cheek”, claiming he was “part of the problem, not the solution”. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said shoplifting was up 8% under the Labour government and had been made worse by a drop in police numbers of 1,300 in the past year.
Public opinion and industry response
According to recent YouGov polling, 33% of people in Britain have witnessed shoplifting in the past 12 months, though young people don’t see it as a serious crime. A Harris Poll UK survey on Monday indicated overwhelming public support for a tougher crackdown, with 85% supporting the banning of repeat shoplifters from stores.
The issue took a turn this month when political figures and others rallied behind Walker Smith, a Waitrose employee of 17 years who was sacked for stopping a shoplifter who had ransacked a display of Lindt Gold Bunny Easter eggs.
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw’s general secretary, said retail crime remains at very high levels, but welcomed the government’s investment in policing and funding for more uniformed officers in shopping areas. She echoed retailers’ support for the crime and policing bill, which reclassifies theft and introduces strict protections for retail staff.
Alex Baldock, the chief executive of Currys, welcomed making aggression against retail workers a standalone offence, adding: “Workers should be able to go to work feeling the law is on their side.” The company is considering a trial of body-worn cameras for staff.
Ed Woodall, the chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, said the ACS strongly welcomed the bill, which would “help to reset the narrative” on shop theft. “Retailers tell us that the most effective deterrent is police presence in communities, but when an incident does occur it’s essential that we see action being taken to break the cycle of reoffending by prolific thieves,” he added.
