Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party). It was answered on Tuesday, 15 July 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Shoplifting

Question: The Minister has alluded to the numbers prosecuted in each of the past three years. Has he any indication of the rise in organised criminal gangs involved in shoplifting? Is it not the case that we need to crack down on repeat offenders and organised criminal gangs, who not only break the law but drive up prices for all legitimate and law-abiding consumers?

Answer: I agree with the hon. Gentleman that criminal gangs who get involved in shoplifting should be tackled. Shoplifting is a crime that has an impact on all members of society because when those goods leave the shop, ordinary law-abiding citizens pay the cost on their purchases. In the past three years, for example, the total number of shoplifting offences whose perpetrators have been brought to justice increased from 112,000 in 2004 to 142,362 in 2006. The Government have a major drive to bring people to justice for shoplifting, as the increase in custody and fixed penalty notices has shown.

Secondary information