Top Tory slams government over shop theft crackdown bid

Conservative MP Anne McIntosh today accused the Government of failing to support her Bill designed to crack down on the £1 billion-a-year cost of shoplifting.

She said ministers had allowed her measure to be "talked out" in the Commons yesterday by ensuring that parliamentary time had run out before it could even be debated. Its prospect of success now appear remote.

The Vale of York MP said: "Retailers across the country will be hugely disappointed at the Government's cavalier disregard for their losses due to the huge cost of shop theft."

She went on: "In supporting the Bill, the Government would have recognised the severity of shop theft, particularly caused by persistent and repeat offenders.

"By allowing ministers to talk out the two earlier Bills on autism and pensions for war widows, the Government has badly let down retailers, storekeepers, large and small, and the many other victims of retail crime.

"I know they will share my disappointment at the Government's failure to support this Bill."

The measure would have ensured that fixed penalty notices - which had had little effect in curbing shoplifting - could be used only when dealing with first-time offenders, with no previous criminal convictions, and that other cases would be brought before the courts where custodial sentences could be imposed.