Local people will know how seriously I take tackling shoplifting in our city, whether in Portsmouth or in our own community, and that’s why I’ve been taking action on these matters.
Many of our city’s valued local businesses have unfortunately suffered shoplifting. In some cases, we have lost valued local shops to the financial consequences of these shop thefts, and incidents have a real impact on those who work in local shops or run them.
That is why, in response, this Labour Government is committed to taking decisive measures which will appropriately support police enforcement across the country, enabling officers effectively tackle the shoplifting that is plaguing our high streets.
One of these major measures is the Crime and Policing Act 2026.The new law will not only end the effective immunity for shoplifting under £200, strengthening the legal consequences for shoplifting, but also introduce Respect Orders, establishing harsher consequences for repeat-offenders.
Additionally, the Act will provide new protections for those working in shops by creating a new offence for assaulting a retail worker.
Altogether, the changes introduced by this legislation will significantly increase the deterrents of shoplifting for any potential perpetrators in the future.
Beyond the Act, the Government is tackling shoplifting head-on by directly strengthening the power of local police forces.
Since March 2025 has delivered more than 3,100 additional police officers and PCSOs into neighbourhood roles, with 65 being allocated to Portsmouth’s local police force, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. Alongside this, the Government has provided our local police force with an additional £20.5 Million in funding for 2025/26.
However, I understand that there is still more to do to protect our local businesses and high streets from shoplifting and remains committed to taking bold and decisive action to crack down on this issue.
I will continue to give my support to the Government in achieving this, whilst also continuing my action to make sure local concerns are addressed, including raising concerns with the District Commander, accompanying police on patrols, speaking with senior police, engaging with businesses, and bringing police together with businesses to discuss the issue.
Stephen Morgan MP
