Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recognises the importance of eliminating retail crime

During the most recent Prime Minister's question time, Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP gave his assurance to the House of Commons and retailers alike that he expects a thorugh and zero tolerance response from the police on the issue.

Ian Paisley MP, quoted the British Independent Retailers Association (bira) that 82% of retailers do not even bother reporting physical attacks on their staff, and shopkeepers need to sell an additional 12 items to make up for each item that is stolen. In response, the Prime Minister confirmed his support of the APPG on retail crime, of which Mr Paisley is a co-chair, on this issue of which Mr Paisley and that “all shoplifting should be followed up where there is evidence such as CCTV footage and that any violent or abusive behaviour towards shop workers, particularly those who provide a valuable service to the public, is never acceptable”

Andrew Goodacre, Chief Executive of bira commented: “Support from the top on this issue is critical. Just after Prime Ministers questions we are sponsoring an event in the House of Commons bringing together political stakeholders from all sides with police and retailers to reaffirm that ‘we the undersigned pledge our support to all retailers in their fight against shop theft and violence against shop workers’, and we look forward to working with all to achieve this goal”.