PM: calls time on shoplifting free-for-all

The Prime Minister has hit out at ‘disgraceful’ attempts to ‘cheat the system’ through high street shoplifting.

Sir Keir Starmer claimed “the tide could be turning” against shoplifting as he set out the Government’s efforts to crack down on retail crime.

Starmer said shop thefts were “slightly down” in the latest figures and he wanted wider use of technology. This would allow CCTV footage to be shared immediately with the police.

His comments came as a think tank highlighted figures showing 67% of shoplifting offenders go on to commit another offence within 12 months. This is up 55% before the pandemic.