Rise in shoplifting sparks heated debate at Southampton City Council

Cllr John Noon has blamed “a lack of recourses being given by central government” for the rise in shoplifting - arguing that over the past 10 years, residents have lost confidence in the police.

The Labour councillor put forward a motion last week requesting the council works with unions and employers to ask Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones to improve protection for retail workers.

But opposition councillor, Steven Galton, said the motion was politically driven, adding that the PCC is already putting resources into the city to tackle retail crime.

The debate comes as some independent shopworkers say shoplifting is very common.

READ MORE: Co-op urges action as shoplifting cases hit record high

In support of the motion, presented at Wednesday's full council meeting, Cllr Lee Whitbread said: “Retail crime has risen to epidemic levels, and the police responses fail to keep pace with the challenge this poses.

"Often, shop workers have to deal with dangerous situations without any support from police officers when threats or physical violence against them.

“Police resources were cut to the bone under the Conservative austerity, and this led to a situation where residents and businesses stopped reporting any crime because they simply had no confidence that the complaint would be taken seriously.

"Our residents and businesses deserve better.”

But Conservative councillor Peter Baillie accused Cllr Noon of "talking down" the work of the PCC who has been "listening to the needs of our city".

"We have a police and crime commissioner listening to the needs of our city and our people and putting the resources into our city and you talk it down," he said.

"I tell you what, you put at risk everything when you publicly insult the work and you do not acknowledge what is being done by our police and crime commissioner."

Cllr Baillie added: “Crime is down 54 per cent compared to 2010 and you are deliberately seen to be talking Southampton down.

“The UK is one of the least crime-ridden places in the world but that isn’t a narrative that you particularly want to pursue.

“I’ve been in the retail trade 38 years. I’ve seen shoplifting in those 38 years all the time. Normal shoplifting hasn’t changed.

“Nothing much was done in the past and it's to the great credit of the PCC and of the government that they want to be doing something.”

READ MORE: Shoplifter jailed for thefts at Millbrook Road West Co-Op

PCC Donna Jones (Image: Archive)

PCC Jones said she personally pledged for the government to fund the recruitment of 102 extra officers to bring the total number of new hires to 600.

She also said a City Centre Unit is being set up for police to work more closely with business owners. 

In a statement, she said: “As commissioner, I know the rise in retail crime, particularly shoplifting, has had a huge effect on the business community.

“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has benefited from the largest ever police officer recruitment drive which this year culminated with more than 600 extra officers on the streets to respond to crime.

"The Government allocated funding for 498, but I pledged 102 more to answer the public’s calls for increased visibility.

“The Chief Constable Scott Chilton has also changed the force operating model to ensure the force delivers the response the public expect.

"With the extra resource, the Southampton District Commander is setting up a City Centre Unit that will focus on strengthening relationships with the retail and business sector to tackle shoplifting, acquisitive crime and street robbery.

“We are already seeing positive changes under the Chief’s new direction with 52 people arrested for crimes linked to shoplifting and burglary in Southampton between July and August.

“Last month, the policing minister outlined clear expectations for police to pursue all crimes where there is evidence available.

"This is a vital step towards combatting theft and building on the public’s trust and confidence in policing and ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to those criminals who blight our communities.” 

Cllr Noon's motion was passed with Labour councillors voting in support.