Great Britain ShopLifting below 200 pounds to see strict penalties

The government has introduced today a new draft law designed to reduce retail crime, against the background of an alarming growth of shops in the UK.

Both small and big traders have been affected by a marked growth of robberies on the UK streets with Cooperation Reporting last year Over 1,000 thefts per dayon average.

The draft law on crime and police will provide new powers to the police to address antisocial behavior. It includes 50 measures and is part of the “Street Streets mission”.

The news will be welcome by the owners of small shops and shops. Many have lost thousands of pounds in recent months as a result of the supposed crime “without victims”.

Harder penalties for shopping

The full list of measures presented in the new draft law on crime and police aims to fulfill the promise to “Revitalizes” the street in the UKas provided in Labour’s general electoral manifesto.

One of the key changes for small traders is the announcement of stricter penalties for buying articles worth below 200 pounds.

Currently, due to a modification of the law that was adopted in 2014, shopping theft for articles below 200 pounds is only a summary crime. This means that it is classified as “non-serious”.

Once the draft law has been debated and, if approved by the Parliament, the new legislation would mean tougher penalties for buyers that match small ticket items.

The draft law would also make a specific crime to assault a store worker. Between 2023 and 2024, government data show that 12% of stores in England and Wales experienced attacks or threats against staff or customers, including about 100 violent incidents per day.

According to the new laws, the perpetrators would face a maximum prison sentence of six months, as well as an unlimited fine and a prohibition from the store in which they committed the crime.

Victims of a crime “without victims”

It is a common transformation of the phrase to describe shopping as a “without victims” crime, with many customers under the impression that the cost of retail theft can be absorbed by enterprises.

Indeed, the shopping crisis has reached untouched levels, which means it has a very real impact on the bottom lines; especially small businesses.

In a survey conducted by SMEs in the UK, 57% of the respondents said they had lost over 250 pounds to shopping in 2023. Almost one fifth reported losses between 1,001 and 5,000 pounds. Adding to this draft law is the cost of crime combating measures, such as Installation of new technologies or hiring specialized security.

These costs are sufficient to cause stress and anxiety to store owners. Especially in today’s economy, SMEs cannot afford to write this loss. But shopping can also make workers feel insecure and threatened, creating an emotional, as well as financial effect.

Do the high streets again

The high streets of the UK desperately need attention. Increasing Business rates They made the brick and mortar spaces not improper for many SMEs, pulling the shutters on many stores.

Those who stay are facing a harsh competition from shopping on the Internet and retail parks outside the city. The low consumers’ expenses due to the sheep lining economy were the final nail in the coffin for many Retail business.

The government hopes that its new bill, combined with a commitment to reform business rates and make Office rentals and more affordable storeswill help to change the waves.

The Secretary of Interior, Yvette Cooper, said that the draft law “refers to the taking over of our streets and centers, to restore respect for law and order and by offering police and local communities the support and tools they need to approach. Local crime. ”

The next question of retailers in the UK, however, is if there is enough police to act the new plans, no matter how well intended.

Iceland’s CEO previously encouraged employees Name and Shame Shoplifters In his stores, saying he will “take rap” for any fall. But small stores remain almost entirely dependent on police networks and local communities to defend against shopping epidemic.