Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Latest Stories

Retailers body gives cautious welcome to Crime and Policing Bill, call for 'emergency action'

Retail Crime Crisis UK: Bira Demands Action on Shoplifting
iStock image
iStock image

Giving a cautiously welcome to Labour's Crime and Policing Bill laid in the Parliament today (25), a leading independent retailers association is calling on for more immediate action and concrete funding to address the retail crime crisis devastating high streets across Britain.

The new legislation contains over 50 measures, including stricter penalties for shoplifting of items under £200 and making it a specific offence to assault a shop worker.

The bill also introduces "Respect Orders," similar to the Anti-social Behaviour Orders that were in place until 2014.


Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira, said, "This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting our independent retailers who have been suffering from escalating retail crime.

"The current legislation, which deprioritises theft under £200 as a summary-only offence, has left many small retailers vulnerable and frustrated.

"However, we are deeply concerned about the four-year timeline to recruit 13,000 additional officers. Where is the immediate funding and support for businesses suffering right now?"

The British Retail Consortium recently reported that violent and abusive incidents increased by more than 50% last year, with retailers reporting approximately 55,000 thefts daily, costing the industry £2.2 billion in 2024 alone.

In Bira's own most recent crime survey, conducted in September 2024, it found that 78.79 per cent of businesses that had experienced theft in the past 12 months reported that the frequency or severity of theft incidents had increased.

Goodacre added, "Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets. They cannot absorb these losses in the same way larger retailers can.

"Every theft impacts not just their bottom line but also creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for both staff and customers. The government must accelerate this recruitment timeline and provide emergency funding for additional security measures, as independent retailers cannot wait four years for protection."

Bira, which works with over 6,000 independent retailers across the UK, is calling for the government to provide immediate financial support for security measures, faster implementation of the new laws, and a concrete timeline for when retailers will see increased police presence in their communities.

While Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated the bill aims to "take back our streets and town centres," Bira insists that without proper funding and accelerated timelines, these promises risk becoming empty words for struggling independent retailers.

Goodacre added, "Our members need more than legislation - they need boots on the ground and financial support for security now.

"We are particularly pleased to see the introduction of a standalone offence for assaulting retail workers, acknowledging the unacceptable levels of violence our members' staff face daily.

"But the retail crime epidemic requires emergency action, not just long-term plans."

More for you

Senedd passes HFSS food display rules in Wales for 2025

Senedd passes new rules on HFSS foods promotion

Photo: iStock

Senedd passes new HFSS rules

New rules about how and where foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HFSS) can be promoted and displayed in larger shops and online have been passed by the Senedd.

The regulations are designed to prevent impulse purchases and over-consumption and expected to help to tackle the growing problem of obesity in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Victoria Lockie, Unitas Wholesale retail director, speaking at an industry event.

Victoria Lockie leaves Unitas for a new adventure.

Unitas

Victoria Lockie to leave Unitas

Unitas Wholesale retail director and executive board member Victoria Lockie is to leave the business in April as she looks to take on a new challenge, the buying group confirmed to Asian Trader today (27).

Lockie joined the business in September 2024.

Keep ReadingShow less
Brian Eagle Brown with new ShopMate 360 EPoS solution

Brian Eagle Brown with new ShopMate 360 EPoS solution

ShopMate unveils new EPoS solution for convenience retailers

ShopMate has introduced ShopMate 360, a “streamlined and affordable” EPoS system designed for convenience retailers.

ShopMate said the new solution ihas been developed with small retailers in mind, offering an easy-to-use till interface that requires minimal training. With an intuitive design, even those new to retail technology can quickly get up to speed, ensuring smooth daily operations.

Keep ReadingShow less