While the British Independent Retailers Association. (Bira), has “cautiously welcomed” Labour’s Crime and Policing Bill, the trade association is demanding more immediate action and concrete funding to address the retail crime crisis that is continuing to devastate high streets across Britain.
The new legislation, presented to Parliament on 25 February, contains over 50 measures, including stricter penalties for shoplifting of items under £200 and making it a specific offence to assault a shop worker.
The bill also introduces Respect Orders, similar to the Anti-social Behaviour Orders that were in place until 2014.
“This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting our independent retailers who have been suffering from escalating retail crime,” says Andrew Goodacre, CEO of Bira. “The current legislation, which deprioritises theft under £200 as a summary-only offence, has left many small retailers vulnerable and frustrated. However, we are deeply concerned about the four-year timeline to recruit 13,000 additional officers. Where is the immediate funding and support for businesses suffering right now?”
Bira recently reported that violent and abusive incidents increased by more than 50% last year, with retailers reporting approximately 55,000 thefts daily, costing the industry £2.2 billion in 2024 alone.
Following Bira’s most recent crime survey, conducted in September 2024, the findings showed that 78.79% of businesses that had experienced theft in the past 12 months, reporting that the frequency or severity of theft incidents had increased.
Added Andrew: “Independent retailers cannot absorb these losses in the same way larger retailers can. Every theft impacts not just their bottom line but also creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for both staff and customers. The government must accelerate this recruitment timeline and provide emergency funding for additional security measures, as independent retailers cannot wait four years for protection.”
The Association is calling for the government to provide immediate financial support for security measures, faster implementation of the new laws, and a concrete timeline for when retailers will see increased police presence in their communities.
Bira has long advocated for tougher measures on retail crime and says it will continue to work with the government to ensure the effective implementation of the new laws.
While Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has stated the bill aims to “take back our streets and town centres,” Bira insists that without proper funding and accelerated timelines, these promises risk becoming empty words for struggling independent retailers.
Emphasised Andrew: “Our members need more than legislation – they need boots on the ground and financial support for security now, not just long-term plans.”
Top: The government has announced a new Crime and Policing Bill to tackle retail crime, but the four year timeline is a concern.
