What should be done to stop shoplifting - have your say

13 September 2023 , 10:02

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Shopworkers have reported thieves getting more and more brazen, with some even stealing things in front of staff. (Image: GettyImages)

Britain is in the midst of a shoplifting epidemic, with worried shopkeepers and retail bosses demanding urgent action - but what do you think can be done about it?

Many are clamouring for the police and courts to do more to protect staff and bring prosecutions after 87 per cent of convenience store staff said thieves had verbally abused them. The British Retail Consortium said there were around eight million incidents in the 12 months to March. Police recorded 339,206 cases, with just 48,218 of these incidents resulting in charges.

Perhaps spurred on by a seeming lack of repercussions, some shoplifters are getting more and more brazen - with workers saying crooks pull items from shelves in front of them and return to steal more – as they believe they can get away with it.

If you can't see the poll, click here

While some people believe the cost-of-living crisis and soaring prices is partially behind the rise in shoplifting, retail expert Scott Dixon said the problem is mainly down to shoplifters becoming more shameless. He said: “It is worse than ever. Shoplifters know the odds are stacked in their favour and are becoming bolder. Shoplifting has effectively been decriminalised."

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Consumer expert Dr Sinead Furey, of Ulster University, said some thieves may be struggling with the cost of living. She said: “If you are in dire states and may have exhausted all your usual pathways, shoplifting essentials like food or medicines is not a choice.”

Shoplifting does not automatically lead to jail time. If the goods are worth less than £200, the maximum sentence is six months in prison, but this is usually handled by issuing a postal fine of £70. Stealing items valued at £200 or more can lead to a maximum sentence of seven years.

The Mirror is today joining calls for action with a list of demands to stop the scourge. And we will publish your pictures and CCTV of shoplifting to shame the culprits.

So what do YOU think? Take our poll above and expand on your decision in the comments below.

Paul Speed