Major UK retailers such as Burberry Group PLC, John Lewis and Marks and Spencer Group PLC (LSE:MKS) have urged the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, to address the escalating issue of shoplifting and violence against retail staff, according to the Financial Times.
In a letter, 88 retail leaders called for increased police focus on retail crime and stricter sentences for offenders.
They also demanded the creation of a standalone offence for assaulting or abusing retail workers.
Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), highlighted the rise in organised gangs targeting stores and staff. Police data reveals that officers failed to respond to nearly 75% of serious retail crime incidents reported by one major retailer.
Shoplifting offences increased by 24% year-on-year to the end of March, impacting profits for retailers like Primark and John Lewis, the FT noted in its article.
The National Police Chiefs' Council stated that they are committed to tackling these offences and are collaborating with retailers through 'Project Pegasus' to identify and combat organised crime groups involved.