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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsCriminal IssuesStarted 2mos agoActive 4 days ago

Should the police be required to investigate every incident of shoplifting, regardless of the stolen value?

The UK is experiencing an 'epidemic' of high street retail crime, with shoplifting incidents reaching record highs. Due to budget cuts and resource prioritization, police forces frequently screen out or fail to attend reports of shoplifting if the stolen goods are under a certain value (often £200). Retailers complain that this de facto decriminalization has emboldened organized gangs and aggressive thieves who calculate they will face no consequences. Proponents of mandatory investigation argue that broken-windows policing is essential to maintain order, protect shop workers from violence, and prevent high streets from collapsing. Opponents argue that forcing underfunded police to chase minor thefts would dangerously divert crucial resources away from investigating major crimes, or unfairly penalize the desperately poor.

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24 Replies

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...2mos2MO

Yes

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...2mos2MO

No, shoplifters driven by the cost-of-living crisis need robust social support, not a prison cell

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...2mos2MO

No

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...2mos2MO

Yes, and we need tougher mandatory sentences for the organized repeat offenders terrorizing shop workers

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...2mos2MO

Yes, ignoring low-value theft creates a broken-windows culture that is destroying our high streets

 @ISIDEWITHDiscuss this answer...2mos2MO

No, overstretched police forces must strictly prioritize violent crimes and major gang activity

 @9WTN5BT  from Maine  answered…2wks2W

No, as a £1 shoplifter could be used to distract from a serious incident.

 @9WTN5BT  from Maine  answered…2wks2W

No it would be a farce to investigate a £4 shoplifter which could be used to distract police from a serious incident.

 @BDG7H7Lanswered…2wks2W

yes, but government should invest more in the police force in order to do this and social support should be increased to minimise shoplifters driven by the cost-of-living crisis

 @BDG43F9answered…2wks2W

No, shoplifters in general need robust social support

 @BDFGGJCanswered…2wks2W

No, shops can deal with a lot of incidents without involving the police.

 @BDCV3KVanswered…2wks2W

There is no easy answer to this question

 @BDB22SR answered…3wks3W

Yes, but offer support instead of criminalising those who steal essential items such as baby milk, sanitary pads and basic food items

 @BD9LNJW answered…3wks3W

Yes. Shops own trained security should be able to enforce the law within their premises, and then call the police.

 @BD6PYK6answered…3wks3W

Yes but funding would need to be increased

 @BD5KPGBanswered…4wks4W

Withdraw all police funding and allow private companies to initiate a penalty of their choosing on the shoplifter.

 @BD5KDDManswered…4wks4W

Yes they should be investigated as theft can be a gateway crime to more serious and violent offences. But, if found that the shoplifter was driven by social factors they should be provided help instead of jail.

 @Chris-M answered…4wks4W

All should be investigated, but incidents motivated by necessity should not be prosecuted

 @BD47LWPanswered…4wks4W

Yes, but only if there are no current more important crimes being committed, such as rapes, murders, burglaries etc. Employ more police that enables them the ability to deal with petty crimes

 @BCYR22Kanswered…1mo1MO

Yes, but provide financial support if it was genuine need rather than greed

 @Chris-M answered…1mo1MO

Yes, but shoplifting of essential items by those unable to afford them should not be prosecuted.

 @BC89K4Canswered…2mos2MO

Depends, if its at least £5 then yes police gets involved, if its under that, the buisness has a right to investigate without violence and if it was under £0.50, it will be brushed off

 @BDNSKSQConservativeanswered…4 days4D

Only is the value is high

 @BDNV4WQanswered…4 days4D

no but if it is ezpensive yes

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