Suella Braverman expressed her strong disapproval yesterday regarding the prevailing situation where criminals often go unpunished for their illegal activities. This concerning issue arises from the increasing number of ‘low-level’ crimes such as burglary and shop theft that the police are no longer investigating. Shockingly, statistics reveal that only 4% of theft offenses resulted in charges being filed in the year leading up to March.
In a letter addressed to the police, Braverman declared, “The public’s confidence is undermined when they feel that their reported crimes are not being acted upon. This must change! Opportunities to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice are being missed.” Recognizing the urgency to address this matter, she affirmed that the police have agreed to update their procedures accordingly.
One area where an improved police response is being promised is shop theft. Braverman emphasized that shoplifting should not be dismissed as a minor crime. Uncontrolled shoplifting leads to subsequent issues, such as assaults on shop workers, significant financial losses, and an escalation of disorder. To combat this, Braverman advocates for officers to diligently pursue every reasonable line of inquiry, including utilizing CCTV footage for suspect identification and searching the Police National Database via facial recognition software when needed. She believes that collaboration between retailers and the police, facilitated by local Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, is crucial in sharing vital information and targeting the most habitual offenders.
The commitments outlined by Braverman also encompass enhancing “visible policing” on the streets and tackling anti-social behavior. Nevertheless, some retailers remain skeptical. Sue Nithyanandan, a Costcutter franchisee from Epsom, Surrey, expressed doubts: “It’s an attention-grabbing headline, but do the police have the necessary resources to fulfill their promise?” Nithyanandan believes that shoplifting is no longer a priority for the under-resourced officers. Similarly, Dee Sedani, an One Stop retailer from Derbyshire, views these commitments as mere public relations exercises, claiming that this cycle of the government stating they have allocated resources and the police insisting they haven’t is a recurring pattern. Vince Malone, the owner of Premier Tenby Stores & Post Office in Pembrokeshire, posited that it is more crucial to focus on the police’s ability to achieve the desired outcomes rather than the catchy headlines they create. He emphasized the urgent need for additional resources and early intervention to address the root causes of such behavior.
Samantha Coldbeck, a Wharfedale Premier retailer in Hull, expressed her disappointment with the current handling of shop theft cases. She currently awaits police follow-up on three separate incidents. Coldbeck lamented the changing perspective of police forces, who now consider shop theft as a low-level crime. While she remains optimistic that change will eventually occur, she questions the efficacy of the government’s latest soundbite, calling for a swift resolution.
This pressing issue calls for immediate attention and an effective response from law enforcement agencies. The public’s trust in the police force hinges upon their capacity to take decisive action and ensure justice for all.