Shoplifting should be known as 'shop theft' to avoid trivialising it

Shoplifting should be called ‘shop theft’ to avoid downplaying its seriousness, the Government has agreed.

In a letter to ministers, peers warned the 'outdated' word was ‘trivialising the severity of the offence’ and called for it to be phased out in legislation and guidance.

The Government responded to commit to using ‘shop theft’ where appropriate, the Daily Telegraph reported.

And the national police unit for organisations acquisitive crime, Opal, also said it would encourage the use of the term in its general communications.

Shoplifting rates have almost doubled in two decades, with three thefts a minute recorded across England and Wales in the year to March.