The Sussex police chief has vowed to use facial recognition and electronic tagging to stop shoplifters from ‘robbing with impunity’
Katy Bourne, the national lead for shoplifting at the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, said more robust police interventions and “meaningful criminal justice measures” were needed to prevent reoffending.
Shoplifting hit a record high last year, with the number of offences surpassing 500,000 for the first time, up 20 per cent from 2023.
Writing in the Telegraph on Saturday, the police and crime commissioner for Sussex said: “What on Earth has happened to our high streets and our city centres? Why do some people feel they can rob shops with impunity and abuse and assault staff without any fear of retribution?”
There must be rehabilitation for some offenders as well as “significant alternatives to our overcrowded prisons”, she said.
