'Legalised' thefts due to SNP cuts

SHOPLIFTING in Scotland has become “effectively legalised” as a result of SNP cuts to the police and justice system, MSPs have been warned.

- BY CHRIS McCALL

Anas Sarwar spoke out at First Minister's Questions on an issue he claimed was causing retail staff to go to work each day fearing for their safety.

The Scottish Labour leader told Holyrood yesterday thefts were up 124 per cent since the last Scottish elections in 2021, with police only investigating suspects who shop staff are able to identify from a previous offence.

Crime figures released by the Scottish Government found shoplifting increased by 17 per cent in the last 12 months alone, with 47,381 incidents recorded.