Labour policing chief hits back over shoplifting - 'we're turning the tide'

EXCLUSIVE: Labour policing chief hits back over shoplifting - 'we're turning the tide'Policing Minister Sarah Jones said the Government is turning the tide against Britain's shoplifting epidemic, with a 21% rise in shop theft charges in a yearCommentsNewsDave Burke Political Correspondent 17:56, 07 Apr 2026Updated 17:56, 07 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesThe Government says it is turning the tide over shopliftingLabour's policing minister has said the Government is "turning the tide" on shoplifting after the number of thieves facing court action shot up.‌The Home Office said the number of criminal charges for shop thefts has risen by 21% in the past year. Policing Minister Sarah Jones told The Mirror the breakthrough means prolific offenders are finally facing the consequences of their actions.‌It comes after shocking scenes in Clapham saw shops ransacked by gangs of youths as part of a "link up" online trend the Government has pledged to tackle.‌Data shared with The Mirror shows there were 111,559 shop theft charges in the past year. Ms Jones said: "Shop theft isn’t low-level crime – it’s lawlessness that damages livelihoods and blights high streets. We’re turning the tide: more offenders are being charged, and we’re tightening the law so these criminals face real consequences.READ MORE: Kanye West is BLOCKED from entering UK with Wireless Festival now cancelledREAD MORE: Nigel Farage accused of 'desperate gimmick' with bid to punish 19 countriesView 2 ImagesPolicing Minister Sarah Jones said new laws will make it easier for officers to act(Image: Craig Connor/ChronicleLive)“A small number of prolific offenders are driving a huge share of retail crime. We’re bringing policing, retailers and government together to target the worst perpetrators, cut reoffending, and make sure shopworkers and their customers feel safe.”‌Retailers said shoplifting cases had reached record levels thanks to a Tory loophole which meant the...