The introduction of the Act comes as part of a wider prioritisation of tackling retail crime by the Government. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister highlighted plans to crack down on shop theft at the USDAW annual Conference.
Policing Minister Sarah Jones MP said: “This government’s Crime and Policing Act represents a true reset in policy, giving retailers significantly bolstered protections. By removing the so-called £200 ‘licence to steal’, we will ensure that shop theft is no longer a ‘summary-only’ offence heard at a magistrates’ court with minimal punishment. This will help to break the cycle of shoplifters repeatedly stealing products and ensure they face proper justice – no matter the value.
“A new standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker, created in direct response to the sharp increase in violence and abuse experienced by staff, will send an unambiguous message: attacks on shop workers will be treated with the seriousness they deserve. Our message is clear: this government will always back those who make up the heart of our highstreets.”
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall said: “The Crime and Policing Act marks a turning point in the way that shop theft and abuse will be treated by the justice system. Convenience retailers and shopworkers can feel more confident that action will be taken against prolific shop thieves as the government enshrines in law tougher penalties for attacks on shopworkers and clarity on how shop theft will be dealt with in courts.
“These new powers need to be backed by local police forces on the ground and the wider justice system sending a clear message that when shop theft incidents are reported, police will respond and justice will be served to break the awful cycle of reoffending that causes significant damage to communities.”
Figures from the 2026 ACS Crime Report show that 64% of retailers have stated that they’re reporting more crime to the police than last year, and that 62% of retailers now describe their relationship with neighbourhood police as good or very good.
The Federation of Independent Retailers’ National President Hetal Patel said: “Theft is traumatic for shopkeepers and their staff, and a social blight. But it also imposes a series of direct and indirect economic costs for shops in terms of lost stock and expensive security measures, which undermine their financial viability.
“For these reasons, the measures contained within the Act, particularly the removal of the ridiculous £200 threshold for theft and the introduction of a standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker – with a possible prison sentence of six months – are welcome and long overdue.
“More broadly, we will continue to call for more active intervention from Community Policing teams, so that these issues are taken more seriously and that shoplifting is no longer widely regarded as a victimless crime.”
Paul Gerrard, Director of Campaigns, Public Affairs and Policy, Co-op, said: “Shopworkers have had to tolerate unacceptable levels of theft, abuse and violence for far too long, and it’s not right. Local shops are an anchor in communities, and that is why Co-op, my colleagues and our members spoke-up, often when others wouldn’t, to clearly say criminal behaviour, violence and abuse ‘should not be part of the job’. The tide of criminality can be turned, we saw crime levels reducing in the Co-op by more than 20% in 2025. But this is just the start. As we continue to invest significantly in wide-ranging safety and security measures, forge successful partnerships with local police forces and see a significant increase in police attendance, this landmark Bill has the power to drive further sustained change, and we all must seize this opportunity and continue to work together and do all we can to protect local community stores, and those that work in them.”
