UK: Association of Convenience Stores wants tougher handling of shoplifters

The British Association of Convenience Stores said on January 20 it has “called for a tougher stance on shop theft from police and the justice system,” according to a press release.

The association decided to make the call for a tougher stance “after figures released today by the British Retail Consortium revealed that the cost of shop theft across the retail sector has increased 5% in England and Wales," it added.

“Despite significant investment in crime prevention measures across the retail sector, shop theft continues to damage the livelihoods of hard working entrepreneurs,” it added.

“We believe that the current system of out of court disposals is not working, especially for repeat offenders who are not getting the help they need to break the cycle of offending,” according to the statement.