Record numbers of thieves are escaping imprisonment: nearly six in 10 with at least 15 previous offences avoided jail last year
Record numbers of thieves are escaping imprisonment: nearly six in 10 with at least 15 previous offences avoided jail last year
Copy link
Nearly six in 10 ‘prolific thieves’ spared prison last year, including one woman with 315 previous convictions
Over half a million offences recorded by police in England and Wales in year to March
With 516,971 offences reported last year, theft is now a daily threat to staff, security and small businesses alike
Study finds serial offenders are responsible for more than 130,000 crimes a year, ranging from shoplifting to assault
Home Office data reveal 18pc rise in number of investigations closed by police with no suspect identified
Legislation will instead see offenders such as burglars, shoplifters and thieves face tougher community punishment
