Keir Starmer is set to announce his determination to put an end to the rampant shoplifting culture, as he moves forward with a crackdown on retail crime.

In an upcoming speech, the Prime Minister will highlight Labour’s initiatives to increase local police presence, impose stricter penalties for shoplifting, and introduce legislation to classify attacks on shop employees as a distinct criminal offense.

According to a survey conducted by the retail trade union Usdaw, nearly 80% of retail workers reported facing verbal abuse last year, with over half experiencing threats from customers and 10% being physically assaulted.

Starmer is expected to emphasize the plight of hardworking individuals who sustain high street businesses and are often subjected to abuse and violence from those attempting to exploit the system. He will denounce such behavior as deplorable.

Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the Government has eliminated a previous leniency towards theft under £200, aiming to combat shoplifting through the Crime and Policing Bill, which is slated for approval before the parliamentary session ends.

The Prime Minister will remark on the progress made in charging offenders, indicating a 17% increase in the latest statistics. Although there has been a marginal reduction in shoplifting incidents, efforts are underway to address the issue and curtail the prevalence of such crimes.

Joanne Thomas, the General Secretary of Usdaw, stressed the necessity of safeguarding retail staff against criminal activities. She highlighted that despite a slight dip in shoplifting cases, retail crime remains a significant concern, impacting employees’ well-being and safety.

Usdaw’s findings revealed that a substantial portion of attacks on retail workers stem from theft or armed robbery, leading to adverse effects such as anxiety, fear, and physical harm, beyond the immediate loss to the business.