Labour candidate calls for action amid surge in shoplifting cases
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed a 41 per cent surge in reported shoplifting cases in Avon & Somerset over the past year.
The national was an average increase of 25 per cent.
Clare Moody, the Labour candidate in the upcoming Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) election, criticised the government’s safety record in preserving community well-being.
Moody is urging West of England Metro Mayor Dan Norris to rally support for owners of smaller, independent shops.
These businesses often face challenges in obtaining the necessary funding for security installations to safeguard their livelihood.
She said: “The Tory Government and Police & Crime Commissioner have overseen a shocking increase in the cases of shoplifting throughout Avon & Somerset – one of the highest in the country.
“I’ve been meeting local retail workers in recent weeks and they tell me there’s a real perception amongst criminals that they can get away with shoplifting time and again. This is unsurprising when the Government changed its policy so theft under £200 is considered a minor offence.
“It’s also having a major impact on the shop workers personally and on their customers.
“In the absence of any serious action from the Conservatives, I’ve asked Metro Mayor Dan Norris if there is any more his combined Authority could do to support shopkeepers and help them prevent these crimes, which wreck livelihoods and exemplify the 13 years of decline we’ve seen under this Government.
“We need to take action to protect our retail workers, make our communities safe, and to restore the public’s faith in our police. It’s time for change.”
