South West reports increase in shoplifting rates

There has been an increase in shoplifting cases in the South West.

The statistics recorded by the police showing that in in the year to March, there were increases in shoplifting across the South West.

· Avon and Somerset +16%

· Devon and Cornwall +40%

· Dorset +9%

Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary says: “The scale of the epidemic of retail crime in the South West is laid bare in these shocking police recorded crime statistics and Usdaw’s own survey. It is increasingly common for retail stores to be targeted by organised crime gangs stealing to order. This is in no way a victimless crime, with weapons and violence used to ensure these criminals are not stopped. Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers.

“We have campaigned along with many retail employers for substantial legislative measures to combat this growing problem, and we are pleased that the Government has introduced the Crime and Policing Bill, with measures to tackle this issue. It has passed all stages in the House of Commons and is now waiting for a second reading in the House of Lords.

“We now look forward to a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law; ending the indefensible £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which has effectively become an open invitation to retail criminals; and funding for more uniformed officer patrols in shopping areas, along with Respect Orders for offenders. It is our hope that these new measures will help give retail workers the respect they deserve.”