Shoplifting soars to ‘epidemic levels’ after crime rose by 25% in past year

SHOPLIFTING is now at “epidemic ­levels” — after the crime rose by 25 per cent in the past year.

Police recorded a total of 365,164 offences as stores are increasingly targeted.

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Theft in general also increased, with 1.7million offences in the year to June, up ten per cent on the previous period, Office for National Statistics figures show.

Retailers say that police have, in effect, decriminalised shoplifting by not investigating offences if goods taken are worth under £200.

A 2014 law change means thefts below that figure should be treated as a summary offence, with a £70 penalty notice handed out rather than the thief going to court.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last night said: “Shoplifting has reached epidemic levels driven by organised criminal gangs.

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"Offences under £200 are rarely enforced.”

The Home Office said: “Police should take a zero tolerance approach.”