Shoplifting declared "national emergency" by Sainsbury's chief following Government crackdown
The chief of Sainsbury’s says the number of incidents happening in stores is “unacceptable”
The chief executive of Sainsbury’s has declared shoplifting a “national emergency” following a Government crackdown on retail crime.
Simon Roberts said how the level of abuse and violence happening in stores is having an “unacceptable impact” on staff and customers.
He said: “Retail crime is a national emergency which requires a national response and targeted action from government and police against the prolific offenders who repeatedly target stores is an important step forward.
“Our colleagues and customers deserve to feel safe, whether they’re coming to work or simply doing some shopping. The number of incidents of theft, abuse, aggression and violence happening in stores right across the country has an unacceptable impact every single day.”
He also highlighted how shoplifters are operating “without fear of consequences”.
Earlier this year, the Centre for Social Justice analysis think tank released figures showing 67 per cent of shoplifting offenders go on to commit another offence within 12 months, up from 55 per cent before the pandemic.
In addition, the latest annual survey by retail trade union, Usdaw, revealed that almost 80 per cent of shop workers said they experienced verbal abuse, more than half said they were threatened by a customer and 10 per cent said they were assaulted.
Mr Roberts’ comments came as the Home Office announced a targeted crackdown on prolific shoplifters who make up a disproportionate amount of retail theft.
He added: “We now need to see more arrests and prosecutions of those who target UK retailers without fear of consequences and we look forward to working closely with authorities as these measures are put into action.”
A standalone offence for assaulting a retail worker is set to be introduced in the Crime and Policing Bill going through Parliament.
The Home Secretary said that up to 16 police forces will intensify their efforts against repeat retail crime offenders, meaning these offenders could face restrictions on their movements, including being banned from high streets and town centres or fitted with GPS tags.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “A small number of offenders commit a disproportionate amount of shop theft. They wreak havoc on our high streets, leave businesses out of pocket and make retail workers scared to go to work.
“Under this Government, shop theft is starting to fall, and more offenders are getting charged. Now we are going further by targeting those who are causing so much harm to our communities and stopping them in their tracks.”