Budget response: retail crime

This includes abolishing “effective immunity for low-level shoplifting” introduced by the Conservative government and providing additional funding to crack down on organized gangs.

The funding would also be spent on training for police and retailers “to stop shoplifting”.

Chris Brook-Carter, CEO of retail charity Retail Trust, said: “Retail is the largest employer outside the public sector, so a healthy and happy retail workforce is important for our sector and for the country’s communities, high streets and GDP.

“Yet thousands of retail workers are currently contacting the Retail Trust to say they are being forced to consider leaving the jobs they love and have often worked in for years because they no longer feel safe there. We therefore welcome with open arms the new funding announced to tackle retail crime and provide more training for police officers to better tackle this problem.”

Martin Hamilton, director and sector specialist in retail and wholesale at Menzies LLPsaid: “There has been a small positive development in the form of additional funding allocated to combat shoplifting, which is a growing concern for retailers.”

Professor Emmeline Taylor, a criminologist from City St George’s, University of London, with specialist expertise in retail crime, said: “Reeves’ announcement in the Autumn Budget that she would repeal 2014 legislation that reduced shoplifting incidents valued at £200 or less is a welcome response. step, and one I’ve been asking for since 2019.

“The legislation signaled to offenders that they could steal with impunity and was interpreted by police as a shorthand for whether they should take action.

“This move is part of a series of commitments from the Labor Party to finally get to grips with high-end takeover crimes impacting the high street, communities and the public.

“Retail is the largest private sector employer contributing huge amounts to the public purse.

“Those who work within it will welcome these measures to tackle theft, but also because we know that violence, abuse and anti-social behavior often go hand in hand with shoplifting.

“There are already several initiatives bringing together police, local authorities and retailers to tackle serious organized crime networks that have taken advantage of the UK retail sector being seen as a soft option.

“Reeve’s pledge to provide better support to tackle these groups, which are also linked to criminal exploitation of vulnerable adults and children, makes a strong statement that the Government is not just listening to the industry and correctly diagnosing the problem , but that she is also willing to commit resources to tackling this.”

Budget Response: Tax increases on tobacco and vaping liquids

Budget response: business rates, NI contributions and National Living Wage

Budget Response: Tax increases on tobacco and vaping liquids

Tough budget, but some relief, says ACS

‘Some gain but also some pain’ from Budget, says Fed

Retail NI responds to the Chancellor’s Budget

‘Devastating’ Budget delivers triple whammy for independent retailers, says Bira

Live: Budget coverage – how does this affect local stores?