Met Police and retailers urge government to crack down on shoplifting
The Metropolitan Police and retail groups have urged the government to introduce criminal justice reforms to crackdown on prolific shoplifters.
In a letter from the the force, the British Retail Consortium and Retail Trust, they also call for the fast-tracking court cases and stronger, more consistent enforcement of court orders.
The news comes as new data reveals that just 104 prolific shoplifters were linked to 4,389 offences in London over the last two financial years. It took a minimum of 31 offences before each of the offenders were jailed, accounting for a almost a third of all incidents where a suspect was identified.
Subscribe to TRBThe force said progress has been made through closer collaboration between police and retailers, alongside improved reporting of offences and enforcement. It said shoplifting in the capital fell by 3.7% last year and there were almost 50% more arrests.
However, the organisations believe further reforms are needed to prevent prolific offenders repeatedly cycling through the criminal justice system and continuing to offend.
Assistant commissioner Matt Twist said: “We know we haven’t always got the response to retail crime right. Over the past 18 months we have changed that, giving neighbourhood officers new technology to quickly identify and arrest the small number of offenders responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime.
“Working hand-in-hand with retailers and sharing evidence has been crucial in building strong cases and securing charges. Where underreporting remains, we are working with business to ensure incidents are reported to bring those offenders to justice.
The organisations have jointly written to the Home Office and Ministry of Justice calling for fast track court processes that bring prolific offenders before courts within around 72 hours of charge, as well as stronger and more consistent enforcement of court orders.
They have also asked for a clearer escalation framework for offenders who repeatedly breach Criminal Behaviour Orders.
Helen Dickinson, British Retail Consortium chief executive, said: “Retailers and police are working together to tackle retail theft and the violence and abuse that is the everyday reality for too many of our colleagues. While initiatives such as Project Pegasus are helping drive progress, too many offenders still face little meaningful consequence.
“To truly turn the tide on retail crime, Government must strengthen the justice system so offenders, particularly repeat offenders, are brought to justice quickly and effectively. These are not victimless crimes – they have a devastating impact on retail workers, businesses and communities.”
Chris Brook-Carter, Retail Trust chief executive, said: “Theft and assaults can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and damage their confidence, wellbeing and sense of safety long after their retail shifts have finished. Shop workers need to see every incident taken seriously and receive the right support afterwards so they are not left to deal with the consequences on their own.
“The Retail Trust is working with police forces and hundreds of retailers across the country to make it easier for people to report crime and abuse and get more help to feel safer at work. These new laws will strengthen our efforts to protect retail workers by ensuring those who repeatedly target shops and intimidate staff face swift and serious consequences.”
