Revolving Doors responds to Met Police call for ‘fast-track trials’ for London shoplifters
Revolving Doors has responded to the Metropolitan Police’s calls for fast-track trials for shoplifters, as the force revealed 104 repeat offenders were responsible for more than 5,300 crimes over the past two years.
Antonia May Cross, Revolving Doors Director of Campaigns:
“We can’t prosecute our way out of addiction and homelessness. And no amount of retail staff training or suggestions that security guards should carry truncheons can wrestle with the consequences of decades-long underinvestment in support services.
There are serious concerns about organised crime, however the well-known truth is that a significant amount of repeat shop theft is linked to people in deep crisis, addiction, homelessness, poor mental health, trauma and poverty. Those two groups need different responses, but the important factor is local services know who the individuals are that need support. This allows for a focussed localised diversion approach, with services working together to tackle the issue.
One individual can cost public services up to £1.4m over their lifetime, largely through repeated contact with police, courts, prisons, A&E departments and emergency accommodation. They need housing, health services, and focussed care. Localised services can distinguish who needs help and provide immediate prevention and diversion support to halt retail crime. A crime fuelled by unmet health and social needs.
Revolving Doors want whole-system diversion which integrates addiction support, housing, and neighbourhood policing across the country, Because the evidence demonstrates it works for those in crisis. Authorities know how to fix this, but it needs joined-up energy and investment from public health, housing, and justice.
We need to tackle social problems, before tackling those neglected by society to the ground.”
Find out more about our work:
Revolving Doors’ research demonstrates that evidence-led community alternatives are the most impactful way to tackle the root causes of reoffending and create safer communities.
Find out more in Preventing the Revolving Door. Preventing the revolving door: groundbreaking report offers data and voices for change – Revolving Doors
