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Lord Hogan-Howe (CB)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 15 May 2025

Debate

Pensioners: Shoplifting

Contribution

My Lords, I think the Government’s plan is a good one; there is nothing wrong with the plan. What has happened over the years is that we used to get reports of shoplifting only when they caught the offender, so the police went, and we had a very good detection rate because the offender was presented. What has happened over time is that CCTV and other devices have captured shoplifters who have left the premises. The determinant is whether the police attend. If they attend, they have a good chance of catching them there or using the evidence that is available. Particularly for shop workers, where violence has been used, somebody follows up. I think that what has happened over time is that there has not been the follow-up. That needs to happen. If it happened to be a pensioner who was the offender, they might actually catch them.

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