The problem seems to be getting worse. Obviously poverty can be a cause but Smiths and Primark aren't full of life saving essentials.

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In 2003 there were approximately 155,000 police officers in the United Kingdom. After reaching a high of 172,000 officers in 2010, the number of police officers in the UK fell to just 150,000 officers by 2017. Current Home Office statistics say we have 149,566

UK population meanwhile grew 13% since 2003. So in 2003 terms we now should have 175,150 Police Officers. We are down 15% since 2003.

To put that into context, we have just over half as many Police Officers as France per 100,000 of the population.

I wonder why shoplifters think they can operate with impunity.

When I lived in Forest Hill (pre-2012) there used to be a tall bloke (30's) come into the pub of an afternoon, taking grocery orders.
He's be back 15 minutes later with packs of meat, bottles of wine, etc and took payments in cash.
He was blatantly nicking stuff to order from the local Tesco's, but because he was so big, the security guards didn't want any hassle.
And who can blame the security guys, who are probably on minimum wage, and want to go home safe to their families.? And not stabbed for a bottle of Frexinet.

I disengage, I turn the page.

A perfectly valid observation. And all under a Conservative led government. The supposed party of law and order.

"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command." - 1984 - George Orwell.

Good work.

It's all the fault of the Tories that an increasing number of people think it's OK to shop lift.

It's not the shoplifters fault at all.

From the man who brought you, It's OK, it was just a kitchen knife.

You are off your gourd mate.

As usual you know nothing but speak loudly

Shoplifting is becoming dominated by gangs. Full on OCGs. The Police have to get hold of the issue

And no, it’s not alright it was a kitchen knife. As everyone that lives in the community knows this was a dreadful crime and leaves a terrible legacy. It is also not alright to spread unfounded rumour and conjecture that makes it harder to grasp the situation and its causes.