Claire Hughes, the Labour Member of Parliament for Bangor Aberconwy, has welcomed the Government’s commitments to tackling town centre crime and anti-social behaviour, after raising issues faced by businesses in Llandudno with Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
At the session of Prime Minister’s Questions in parliament today (5 February), Ms Hughes highlighted problems faced by businesses dealing with an increase in shoplifting. She welcomed the recent announcement by UK Government of a further £200m to boost neighbourhood policing, and asked what further action the Government is taking to tackle retail crime.
Claire Hughes MP said: “Llandudno is a beautiful seaside town and wonderful place to visit. But many businesses are struggling with the rise of shoplifting. In some cases, thieves are stealing in full view of staff because they just don’t fear the consequences.
“The recent funding boost for neighbourhood policing is very welcome, but could the Prime Minister tell my constituents what more this Government is doing to tackle retail crime and deter repeat offenders?”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “For far too long, crimes such as shoplifting have been written off as “low level.” That is wrong; such crimes are devastating. The Conservative party left us with rising crime and effectively told the police to ignore shoplifting of under £ 200 worth of goods. We have got rid of that shoplifters’ charter, and we are working hard to ensure that we take a grip where they lost control.”
The intervention came after Ms Hughes joined local Police Community Support Officers on a walkabout in Llandudno to learn more about the challenges they are facing.
In a statement posted on social media after the response from the Prime Minister, Ms Hughes said: “Today, I asked the Prime Minister what more this Government is doing to tackle shoplifting in towns like Llandudno.
“I was pleased to hear that the current rule that sees thefts of under £200 treated less seriously is to be scrapped. This is on top of the recent announcement of additional funding for neighbourhood police.
“As I’ve said before – there is a lot to do to restore confidence after 14 years of austerity and inaction. Tackling town centre crime and shoplifting is a top priority for this government, and I’ll keep pushing for action as your local MP.”
