Cracking down on shoplifting

Jayne with Yvette Cooper Home Secretary.

Shoplifting and antisocial behaviour (ASB) have become significant challenges in Truro, Falmouth, and towns across Cornwall. Thankfully, the government's Crime and Policing Bill introduces crucial measures to tackle these issues head-on and better support shops and their workers.

Key provisions of the Bill include Respect Orders, which allow for swift enforcement against persistent ASB offenders, and the scrapping of the previous government's 'shoplifter’s charter,' which had deprioritised theft under £200. Additionally, a new offence will be introduced for assaulting retail workers to provide better protection.

With 83% of businesses in Falmouth identifying ASB as a high priority, these steps will be a welcome relief. We have also secured Hot Spot funding for Truro for the next year. Hot Spot policing focuses on regular, targeted visits to high-crime areas, and evidence shows that when officers visit at least twice a week, ASB decreases significantly.

While these new measures may present as an increase in crime statistics, this is not an indication of rising crime. Rather, it reflects the system functioning as it should—identifying and addressing crimes that have previously gone untreated. This approach will give a more accurate picture of crime, enabling authorities to respond swiftly and effectively, ultimately making our communities safer.

Read more on this here.