Retailers have spent £1.8billion on security... the missing piece is a commitment from the police'

THE Daily Express today demands action to halt the shoplifting crisis that is costing stores more than £2.2billion a year.

- News Reporter

The target of our new campaign that police must attend every reported theft is the one move that store bosses say would stop the epidemic, catch more crooks and provide reassurance to owners and staff.

Organised crime gangs, from home and abroad, carry out raids with military efficiency.

Meanwhile, “opportunistic stealing” sprees by professionals and some hard-up pensioners soar to record levels.

Even vulnerable children are turning to thieving for criminals exploiting them.

The Express crusade insists that police and politicians alike “Stop The Shoplifters”.

With shop prices pushed higher by the cost of extra security, Lucy Whing - anti-crime policy adviser at the British Retail Consortium trade group warned last night: “Something has got to change night: “Something has got to change. Retailers have spent £1.8bil-lion on security measures last year and the Government has promised more resources to tackle the issue.

The missing piece of the puzzle is a commitment from police forces to attend all incidents reported, particularly when violence is involved.”

A report published by Police Scotland revealed the true scale of shoplifting and its negative impact upon to the country's economy.

The force uses the official term “Acquisitive Crime” when referring to the problem and stated that levels are now higher than those seen pre-pandemic.