Labour blames ‘shoplifters’ charter’ for surge in retail crime – By Sky News Staff (Sky News) / April 19, 2024
The rise has caused some retailers to lock away – or put security tags on – everyday products such as meat, butter, chocolate and coffee.
A “shoplifters’ charter” has seen thefts rise significantly – to about one offence every minute – but police are charging fewer people, according to Labour.
The party said data showed a record 402,482 shoplifting offences in England and Wales in the year to September 2023.
However, offences resulting in a police charge fell from 20% to 15% between 2018 and 2023, according to a Freedom of Information request.
Labour said offenders were getting off “scot-free” as the fall had not been matched by a rise in other penalties.
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