Crime Bill introduced to make UK shoplifters pay

The government has today introduced a new Bill designed to clamp down on retail crime amid an alarming rise in shop thefts in the UK.

Both small and large retailers have been impacted by a marked rise in looting on UK high streets, with Co-Op last year reporting over 1,000 thefts per day, on average.

The Crime and Policing Bill will give new powers to the police to tackle anti-social behaviour. It encompasses 50 measures and forms part of the government’s “Safer Streets mission”.

The news will be welcomed by small shop and convenience store owners. Many have lost thousands of pounds in recent months as a result of the supposedly “victimless” crime.

Harsher penalties for shoplifters

The full list of measures outlined in the new Crime and Policing Bill aims to fulfill the promise to “revitalise” the UK high street, as set out in Labour’s general election manifesto.

One of the key changes for small retailers is the announcement of stricter penalties for the shoplifting of items worth under £200.

Currently, thanks to a law change that was passed in 2014, shoplifting theft for items under £200 is only a summary offence. That means it is classed as ‘non-serious’. 

Once the Bill has been debated, and if it is approved by Parliament, the new legislation would mean harsher penalties for shoplifters pinching small ticket items.

The Bill would also make it a specific offence to assault a shop worker. Between 2023 and 2024, government data shows that 12% of shops in England and Wales experienced assaults or threats against staff or customers, including around 100 violent incidents per day.

Under the new laws, perpetrators would face a maximum prison sentence of six months, as well as an unlimited fine and a ban from the shop where they committed the offence.

Victims of a “victimless” crime

It’s a common turn of phrase to describe shoplifting as a “victimless” crime, with many customers under the impression that the cost of retail thefts can be absorbed by businesses.

In truth, the shoplifting crisis has reached untenable levels, meaning it is having a very real impact on bottom lines; especially small businesses. 

In a survey by UK SMEs, 57% of respondents said they had lost over £250 to shoplifting in 2023. Almost a fifth reported losses between £1,001-£5,000. Adding to this bill is the cost of crime fighting measures, such as installing new technologies or hiring specialist security.

These costs are enough to cause stress and anxiety for shop owners. Especially in today’s economy, SMEs cannot afford to write this loss off. But shoplifting can also make workers feel unsafe and threatened, creating an emotional toll, as well as financial.

Make High Streets Great Again

UK high streets are in desperate need of attention. Rising business rates have made brick-and-mortar premises unaffordable for many SMEs, pulling the shutters on many stores.

Those that stay face harsh competition from internet shopping and out-of-town retail parks. Reduced consumer spending due to the flat-lining economy has been the final nail in the coffin for many retail businesses.

The government is hoping its new Bill, combined with a pledge to reform business rates and make office and shop rentals more affordable, will help to change the tides.

Home secretary Yvette Cooper said the Bill “is about taking back our streets and town centres, restoring respect for law and order, and giving the police and local communities the support and tools they need to tackle local crime.”

The next question from UK retailers, though, is whether there are enough police to action the new plans, however well-intentioned they may be.

The CEO of Iceland previously encouraged employees to name and shame shoplifters in his stores, saying he will “take the rap” for any fallout. But small stores remain almost entirely reliant on police and local community networks to defend against the shoplifting epidemic.