Shoplifting: Govt continues to let organised gangs off the hook

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Responding to the news that assaulting a shop worker will be made a separate criminal offence in England and Wales, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Alistair Carmichael MP said:

“For too long, the Conservative Government have been sitting on their hands while hardworking shopkeepers are left to face the brunt of the shoplifting epidemic alone. 

"As the majority of shoplifting cases go unsolved, the Conservatives has repeatedly failed to get even the basics right of tackling this issue - something their new gimmicks won't change.

“It is now vital the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary invest in proper community policing and ensure all shoplifting thefts are investigated. 

“The government is currently letting organised criminal gangs off the hook and leaving shopkeepers hugely vulnerable.”

ENDS