Commenting on the Sentencing Advisory Panel's consultation paper on shoplifting, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson, Mark Hunter MP said:

"We need a better system of public service sentences for low-level offenders like shoplifters, not just fines and cautions.

"These offenders should be out working for the community - painting, litter picking, planting trees, cleaning up graffiti.

"They need to do visible work to make life better for the community they've harmed with their crime."