Rachel has backed a new package of measures to tackle prolific shop theft and criminals who attack retail workers.
The Government has launched a tough crackdown on these offences through a raft of new measures such as tags for repeat offenders to prevent future offences, £55.5 million for facial recognition technology to identify offenders and a specific new offence for assaulting shop workers, delivering on its plan to drive down crime.
As part of the Fighting Retail Crime plan, a new standalone criminal offence for assaults on retail workers will be created, sending a clear message that there will be tough consequences for this unacceptable behaviour.
The use of GP tagging for repeat shoplifters will be expanded, a constant reminder to offenders that the Probation Service can find out where they have been, with the risk of prison time if they don’t comply.
£55.5 million over the next four years for the police to roll out facial recognition technology, helping to catch criminals. The Government will also ensure private businesses have the legal and regulatory clarity needed to use such technology themselves with confidence.
Rachel said: “Since 2010 we have cut crime excluding fraud by 55%, but I know shop workers and keepers continue to be impacted by theft, abuse and violence.
“I talk regularly to shop owners in Redditch and the Villages and I’ve heard first-hand how retail crime is impacting their businesses.
“The theft and abuse they’re facing is just totally unacceptable, which is why I’m fully behind the Government’s tough crackdown on retail crime.
“Anyone who abuses retail workers or shoplifts and thinks they won’t be prosecuted are wrong. You will face the full force of the law and you won’t get away with it.”
