In response to the escalating issue of retail crime, the UK government is set to abolish the controversial £200 threshold in shoplifting legislation. This decision aims to address what has been described as “shameful neglect” of retail theft over the past decade.
In a significant policy shift announced by the crime and policing minister, the UK government plans to dismantle the existing shoplifting charter which has been in place since 2014. This charter currently categorises shoplifting of items valued at £200 or less as a summary-only offence, a classification that has often led to the de-prioritisation of cases falling under this threshold.
Speaking at a retail crime summit in London, policing minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasised the need for tougher measures to combat retail crime and safeguard shop workers. She criticised the previous legislation for creating a ‘low category shoplifting’ term, which, according to her, resulted in reduced attention from law enforcement agencies even in cases of repeated offences.
The move to scrap the £200 threshold has been met with approval from the retail sector, especially in light of rising incidents of theft. Many supermarket chains have resorted to deploying security technologies like robots to deter crime, highlighting the urgent need for effective governmental intervention.
Dame Diana Johnson also announced plans for new legislation targeting assaults on shop workers, stating that the UK requires these changes to ensure the protection of retail employees. She declared unequivocally that abuse against shop workers would not be tolerated under the new laws.
The decision follows persistent calls from major retailers for governmental action amid increasing instances of retail crime, a situation that many attribute to the existing legislation’s shortcomings.
The abolition of the £200 shoplifting threshold marks a pivotal change in the UK’s approach to tackling retail crime. With new legislation on the horizon, aimed at better protecting shop workers and addressing theft more seriously, the government acknowledges the need for stronger measures and proactive policing to ensure the safety and security of both businesses and their employees.
