Councillor Slams Police Chief's Shoplifting Advice

A councillor has criticised a police boss after he urged the public to do more to stop shoplifting, warning it could put people at risk.

A councillor has slammed a police chief's call for the public to combat shoplifting, warning it could endanger lives.

Cllr Stephen Newton expressed concern over comments made by PCC Matthew Barber, who suggested that bystanders should intervene instead of just filming crimes. Barber, the Conservative police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, told a police meeting in June that shoplifting is a community issue, not just a police problem.

He urged shopkeepers to take action against thieves, saying: “If you’ve got someone in your store now stealing from you, call 999. Also, ideally, try and stop them leaving, don’t just stand there and watch.”

However, Cllr Newton warned that such remarks could encourage untrained individuals to confront criminals, especially given the rise in knife crime. During the panel meeting at Buckinghamshire Council, he said, “Are you really asking members of the public and shop staff to put themselves at risk?”

Mr Barber later clarified he didn’t want anyone to endanger themselves but believed that, in some cases, intervention could be justified. He reiterated that shoplifting isn’t a victimless crime, urging the public to call for help when witnessing thefts. “If you see someone stealing and you call 999, there is a half-decent chance the police might attend,” he said.

Nathaniel Lawson, Local Democracy Reporter