Lack of punishment means theft pays for brazen festive shoplifters

RETAILERS have been told to brace themselves for a Christmas shoplifting epidemic because thieves are going unpunished.

- BY MARY WRIGHT

Security experts say as festive lights go up, so does crime and urged measures to protect stock, staff and customers.

Shoplifting is already at an all-time high, accounting for almost 45 per cent of all crimes of dishonesty.

David Kennedy, of The Scottish Police Federation, believes the lack of effective deterrents is making shoplifting pay for criminal gangs.