ACS

ACS has welcomed the publication of recommendations by the Conservative Commission on Retail Crime.

The Commission report published today has made ten recommendations relating to sentencing, reporting and enforcement against retail crime.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Retail crime costs millions of pounds, harms livelihoods and causes increased costs and loss of services for customers and communities. This Commission has shone a light on the problem of retail crime and come up with solutions that would make a difference.

“The Commission’s ten proposals show that they listened closely to the concerns of retailers. The proposals on penalties can assist in toughening the deterrents to shop theft and the call for better reporting of retail crimes will provide Police and Government better information on the scale of the problem. The persistent lack of sufficient information has been a barrier for too long.

“These proposals, along with recent Government actions on on-the-spot fines and funding for investment in security equipment, show that policy makers are recognising that this is a crime that affects victims both within the industry and the communities they serve.”

The Commission’s report is now handed to the Conservative Home Affairs team and will be considered for inclusion in Conservative Party Policy.