Shoplifting more than a 'nuisance'

Director general of the British Retail Consortium, Dr Kevin Hawkins, is affronted by comments made by Lord Justice Rose that shop theft is "merely a 'nuisance' offence". Hawkins said the consortium was "extremely dismayed" by Rose's comments. "Retail crime has significantly demoralising effects on shop owners and their staff, especially as theft is increasingly accompanied by violence, threats and verbal abuse," he said.

He also added that leniency for repeat offenders suggested that crime against retailers is a tolerable offence. The BRC has recently initiated a campaign called SCAR (Stop Crime Against Retail), which aims to stimulate police to encourage victims to report crimes by amending the crime reporting system. It will also try to involve government in the process.