More than 9,000 shoplifters sentenced to between six and 12 months in the past two years would now be spared prison under government plans to suspend short jail terms, figures reveal. Offenders will instead receive community service, such as cleaning graffiti, as part of measures to tackle prison overcrowding.
Ministry of Justice data shows shoplifters account for over one in eight of those who will avoid custody. Common assault and battery, and assault on an emergency worker are the next most common offences. In total, the top ten offences make up nearly 58% of all sentences under 12 months handed down in 2021/22.
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk announced in October that criminals facing jail of less than a year would get suspended sentences and community payback. He argued that short sentences risked reoffending and were a waste of taxpayer money. The number of shoplifting sentences of under a year rose from 3,848 in 2021 to 5,289 last year.
The plans have drawn criticism. Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote in the Telegraph that they would put public safety at risk. Labour’s shadow attorney general, Emily Thornberry, vowed to change the law to stop shoplifters stealing goods worth under £200 from avoiding jail, warning of a vicious cycle of bolder thefts.
Chalk defended the policy, stating judges can still imprison shoplifters, particularly those breaching court orders, and that more electronic tags will be used to track prolific offenders. The government also says it is taking a tougher stance on organised shoplifting gangs.
