Shoplifters who assault staff face six months in jail under dedicated new offence

New measures announced to tackle shoplifting epidemic

Shoplifters who assault staff could now face up to six months in jail under a new dedicated offence. The Home Office has unveiled a package of measures to combat the rising trend of store theft, including increased tagging for repeat offenders and the widespread use of high-tech facial recognition cameras in shops.

Crackdown on shoplifting violence

The specific new crime for attacking retail workers will carry a penalty of up to six months in prison or an unlimited fine. Offenders will also be subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order preventing them from entering the targeted shop. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the importance of protecting local businesses from crime and abuse, stating, "Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities, and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse."

Rising concerns in the retail industry

Shop workers have expressed concerns over the increasing violence from thieves targeting their stores. Many have reported frustrations with the lack of police response to incidents of shoplifting, which cost the industry an estimated £1 billion annually. Last year alone, there were 365,164 recorded instances of shoplifting, reaching what some have described as "epidemic levels."

Technological advancements and financial investment

As part of the new measures, individuals convicted of assaulting staff or shoplifting on three separate occasions will be required to wear an electronic tag. The government has allocated £55 million over the next four years for the implementation of cutting-edge facial recognition technology. This includes funding for mobile units to be deployed in high streets to identify and deter repeat offenders.

Positive reception from industry representatives

Helen Dickinson of the British Retail Consortium welcomed the government's announcement, noting, "After relentless campaigning for a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, the voices of the three million people working in retail are finally being heard."