Starmer addresses shop theft issue

Acknowledging the devastating impact of rising retail crime, Prime minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday (11) reiterated the action his government is taking to tackle the problem.

Responding to a question from Labour politician Kirith Entwistle in the House of Commons, Starmer said. "I have spoken to many who work in our shops who are very concerned about shoplifting. It went out of control because of the approach taken by the previous Government.

"We are bringing it under control. It is not low level; it has a huge impact on other customers and a particular impact on staff working in supermarkets.

"That is why we are dedicating funding to train police and retailers and to support specialist analyst teams to crack down on the gangs that are targeting retailers."

Welcoming the Starmer's show of empathy towards retailers, retail trade union Usdaw General secretary Paddy Lillis said, “Keir Starmer’s response shows that we have seen a complete change in the government response, under Labour, to a significant increase in theft from shops, which has doubled since the pandemic and risen by 29 per cent in the last twelve months.

"This contrasts with 14 years of the Conservatives refusing to support the calls from Usdaw and many major retailers for significant action.

“We are pleased that the new Labour Government announced a Crime and Policing Bill in the King’s Speech. This new legislation will deliver a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law; end the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals; along with introducing Respect Orders for repeat offenders.

"The Chancellor announced in the Budget funding to tackle the organised criminals responsible for the increase in shoplifting, as Keir Starmer highlighted.

"Last week, the Prime Minister announced funding for 13,000 more uniformed police officers, patrolling our communities and high street. It is our hope that these new measures will help give shop workers the respect they deserve.”