King’s Speech to Announce Crackdown on Shoplifting
The King’s Speech on Wednesday will announce a crackdown on shoplifting, introducing a new crime bill to target thefts under one dollar and two hundred pounds, reversing a 2014 legislation. A new offence for assaulting shop workers is also expected. Michelle Whitehead reported daily thefts at her convenience store, highlighting widespread concern among retailers.
The King's Speech scheduled for Wednesday is expected to announce a crackdown on shoplifting.
The government plans to introduce a new crime bill to target thefts worth less than £200, reversing a 2014 legislation that imposed less severe punishments for low-value thefts.
A new offence for assaulting a shop worker is also expected to be included.
In 2023, there were over 430,000 recorded shoplifting cases in England and Wales, though retailers suggest this figure underestimates the problem.
Michelle Whitehead, a shop worker in Wolverhampton, reported daily thefts at her store.
The British Retail Consortium claims the 2014 legislation deprioritized low-level theft in police eyes, with shoplifting costing retailers one dollar and eight billion last year.
Public affairs director Paul Gerrard of Co-op noted organised criminal gangs as a major cause.
Civil liberties group Liberty raised concerns about targeting vulnerable individuals and overburdening the prison system.
The King's Speech will outline the government's legislative priorities, a pivotal part of the State Opening of Parliament.
The government plans to introduce a new crime bill to target thefts worth less than £200, reversing a 2014 legislation that imposed less severe punishments for low-value thefts.
A new offence for assaulting a shop worker is also expected to be included.
In 2023, there were over 430,000 recorded shoplifting cases in England and Wales, though retailers suggest this figure underestimates the problem.
Michelle Whitehead, a shop worker in Wolverhampton, reported daily thefts at her store.
The British Retail Consortium claims the 2014 legislation deprioritized low-level theft in police eyes, with shoplifting costing retailers one dollar and eight billion last year.
Public affairs director Paul Gerrard of Co-op noted organised criminal gangs as a major cause.
Civil liberties group Liberty raised concerns about targeting vulnerable individuals and overburdening the prison system.
The King's Speech will outline the government's legislative priorities, a pivotal part of the State Opening of Parliament.
