Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declared an end to what he calls the shoplifting "free-for-all" as he pushes forward with a comprehensive crackdown on retail crime. In a speech scheduled for Monday, Starmer will highlight Labour's efforts to increase neighbourhood police numbers, stiffen penalties for shoplifters, and introduce a new standalone criminal offence for assaulting shop workers.
Retail Crime Statistics
According to a survey by the retail trade union Usdaw, nearly 80% of shop workers reported experiencing verbal abuse last year. More than half said they were threatened by a customer, and 10% reported being physically assaulted. These figures underscore the severity of the issue facing retail staff across the country.
Starmer's Remarks
Mr Starmer is expected to say: "Working people – grafters – go to work, do the right thing, keep our high streets thriving and yet too often they are abused or assaulted by people who think they can get away with it and just cheat the system. It’s disgraceful." He will argue that the Government has ended a "shoplifters charter" that effectively granted immunity for thieves stealing goods worth less than £200. The standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker is included in the Crime and Policing Bill, which ministers are seeking to pass before Parliament rises next week.
Progress and Challenges
The Prime Minister will acknowledge the scale of the challenge but note progress: "I’m not blind to how big a challenge this is. But the number of people charged has gone up by 17% in the latest stats. Shop theft is down – only slightly – but the tide could be turning. We are taking action. We are calling time on the free‑for‑all, standing firm, together, against the disgraceful crime of shop theft."
Union Response
Joanne Thomas, Usdaw general secretary, emphasised the need for protection: "Retail crime remains at very high levels, as demonstrated by the latest police recorded crime statistics. While there has been a welcome small decrease in shoplifting across last year, the fact is retail crime continues to be a significant issue for the sector and particularly staff. Usdaw’s last survey found that this is in no way a victimless crime, with two-thirds of attacks on retail staff being triggered by theft or armed robbery. Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers."
