No Result
View All Result
  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
Smart Investment Today
  • News
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Investing
  • Stock
  • News
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
  • Investing
  • Stock
No Result
View All Result
Smart Investment Today
No Result
View All Result
Home Investing

Shoplifting reaches record high as thieves operate without fear

by
July 25, 2024
in Investing
0
Shoplifting reaches record high as thieves operate without fear
0
SHARES
3
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Shoplifting in England and Wales has soared to its highest level since records began, with criminals seemingly operating “without fear of apprehension.”

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 30% increase in shoplifting offences compared to last year, with 443,995 incidents recorded in the year to March 2024.

This surge in theft has coincided with a 40% rise in “thefts from the person,” including snatch thefts and pick-pocketing. The overall increase in fraud incidents is also notable, up by 8% to 1.2 million offences, largely due to cases referred by UK Finance.

A recent government report has raised concerns about Britain’s growing tolerance of fraud and theft. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) highlighted a rising “propensity to commit fraud,” with societal acceptance of dishonest behaviour making it increasingly difficult to curb benefit system abuse.

The report found a worrying trend in public attitudes, with one in five Britons now exhibiting “low integrity,” a significant increase from one in 14 a decade ago. This shift in moral standards is impacting efforts to control both tax evasion and benefit fraud.

In response to the alarming statistics, major retailers have voiced their concerns about the escalating costs of theft. The new Labour government has pledged to address low-level shoplifting and introduce specific criminal offences for assaulting shop workers.

James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores, emphasised the organised nature of these crimes. “The gangs committing most of these thefts are stealing to fund other criminal activities or drug and alcohol habits. They often target high-value items to sell to people struggling with the cost of living.”

Home Office data revealed that of the 417,582 shoplifting cases recorded in 2023/24, only 17% resulted in charges or summons, while 58% were closed with no suspect identified. This compares to 16% and 55%, respectively, in the previous year.

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, criticised the previous Tory government’s handling of law and order. She promised that Labour would bolster neighbourhood policing and introduce stronger laws to tackle knife crime, shoplifting, and assaults on retail workers.

Cooper stated, “This Labour government will put neighbourhood police back on the beat in our town centres, with stronger laws on knife crime, shoplifting, and assaults on shop workers to keep our communities safe.”

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham from the College of Policing highlighted the police’s efforts to prioritise thefts involving detained offenders, violence, or available evidence like CCTV. He acknowledged the public’s concern and committed to improving investigative standards.

Separate Home Office figures showed a slight increase in the proportion of investigations closed with no suspect identified, rising to 40.2% from 39.3%. The percentage of suspects being taken to court remains low, with only 6.4% of cases reaching prosecution, including a mere 2.6% of rape cases.

Read more:
Shoplifting reaches record high as thieves operate without fear

Previous Post

Ed Miliband launches state-backed offshore wind initiative

Next Post

Rachel Reeves poised for £25bn tax rise, says former Bank of England ratesetter

Next Post
Rachel Reeves poised for £25bn tax rise, says former Bank of England ratesetter

Rachel Reeves poised for £25bn tax rise, says former Bank of England ratesetter

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    • Trending
    • Comments
    • Latest

    Gold Prices Rise as the Dollar Slowly Dies

    May 25, 2024

    Richard Murphy, The Bank of England, And MMT Confusion

    March 15, 2025

    We Can’t Fix International Organizations like the WTO. Abolish Them.

    March 15, 2025

    Free Markets Promote Peaceful Cooperation and Racial Harmony

    March 15, 2025

    Thomas Paine: The American Revolution’s Unlikely Hero

    0

    Ana-Maria Coaching Marks Milestone with New Book Release

    0

    The Consequences of California’s New Minimum Wage Law

    0

    Memorial Day

    0

    Thomas Paine: The American Revolution’s Unlikely Hero

    June 22, 2025
    War of *Whose* Choice?

    War of *Whose* Choice?

    June 21, 2025

    Entrepreneurship Can’t Be Taught in a College Classroom

    June 21, 2025

    Total War Against Civilians Is Never Justified

    June 21, 2025

    Recent News

    Thomas Paine: The American Revolution’s Unlikely Hero

    June 22, 2025
    War of *Whose* Choice?

    War of *Whose* Choice?

    June 21, 2025

    Entrepreneurship Can’t Be Taught in a College Classroom

    June 21, 2025

    Total War Against Civilians Is Never Justified

    June 21, 2025
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2025 smartinvestmenttoday.com | All Rights Reserved

    No Result
    View All Result
    • News
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick
    • Investing
    • Stock

    Copyright © 2025 smartinvestmenttoday.com | All Rights Reserved