Summary
Retailers in England and Wales say it takes too long to bring shoplifters to justice. The average time for shoplifting cases to be resolved in magistrates' courts has increased from 32 days in 2014 to 59 days in 2024. Some retailers feel this delay discourages them from reporting crimes.
Key Facts
- Retailers are unhappy with the time taken to punish shoplifters.
- The average time for dealing with shoplifting cases in courts has risen by over 80% in 10 years.
- A thief who stole £2,000 in goods waited 10 months for sentencing.
- Retailers like Andrew Goodacre say delays reduce trust in the justice system.
- Some store owners, like Fiona Malone, caught thieves quickly but still faced long waits for court action.
- Tom Hirst, a head of security, says the system is too lenient on shoplifters.
- The delays are causing some retailers to stop reporting theft altogether.
