Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Shoplifting

Monday 15 September 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ben Goldsborough inquired about the government's actions to protect retail workers from shoplifting and the intimidation it causes.
  • Liz Jarvis highlighted a case in her constituency where a shop was severely impacted by theft, but the shoplifter was ordered to pay only minimal compensation.
  • The government responded by emphasizing the need to protect retail workers and to take stronger measures against shop theft.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Ben Goldsborough Lab South Norfolk
Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP referenced his personal experience as a deputy store manager and union member, highlighting the fear shoplifting causes to retail workers.

Question

As a proud member of the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers and formerly the youngest deputy store manager for Halford’s in the east of England, I know at first hand the fear that shoplifting causes to retail workers. What action is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that the police have the powers they need to use the full force of the law to tackle those who steal from our shops?

Answer from The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Every Member of Parliament hears about this issue, and knows how distressing it is. The intimidation of shop workers must stop, and the thieves who target shops and are stealing to order must be targeted. We are repealing the legislation that makes shop theft of and below £200 a summary-only offence, which will send a clear message that we will not tolerate this crime.

Answered
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Q2 Liz Jarvis Lib Dem Eastleigh
Crime & Law Enforcement Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlighted an incident in her constituency where a shop was targeted by multiple thefts, causing significant financial loss but resulting in only minimal compensation for the victims.

Question

Recently, A. C. Models in my constituency was targeted by a series of thefts that cost the owners, Annette and Clive, thousands of pounds, yet the shoplifter was ordered to pay them just £240 in compensation. With retail losses due to theft at record highs, what measures are the Government taking to support small businesses that are preyed on by shoplifters?

Answer from The Minister for Policing and Crime (Sarah Jones)

We need to protect retail workers, and we need to do more to tackle shop theft. As I have just outlined, we are doing just that. I am very sorry that the hon. Lady’s constituents have had to suffer this terrible crime. We need to ensure that the message is loud and clear that we will not accept it.

Partly answered

Not addressed: the specific measures for compensation or support for small businesses were not detailed

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