Judith has taken part in the prevention of retail crime debate in Parliament, highlighting the Shopwatch schemes’ role in helping to tackle the issue in Bradford South.
The scheme was designed following shopkeepers concerns regarding growing retail crime.
“Retail crime can have a hugely damaging effect on local businesses and communities. In Braford South, we have seen a rise in instances of burglary and anti-social behaviour near shops, as well as a rise in theft and shoplifting. These are not victimless crimes. Repeated burglaries cause rising insurance costs that can drive small shops out of business.
“But at a time when our police are facing unprecedented pressures due to their own funding cuts, as well as those to local council and community services, too often this means that these serious crimes are not given the priority they deserve. This Government are simply not giving our police forces the resources they need to do their job.”
The debate is part of the ‘Freedom from Fear’ campaign by the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), to get tougher penalties for those who assault shop workers.
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