The rumour that police will not prosecute the shoplifting of goods under £200 is ‘simply untrue’, a police and crime commissioner has said.

Speaking after a 'Retail Roundtable' event held in South Shields last week, Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth  debunked what she described as ‘harmful rumours’ that can encourage offending and hamper police action if crimes go unreported.

The Commissioner asked Chief Inspector Ian Blakemore, Northumbria Police’s retail crime lead, about the misconception as the topic has previously been raised by retailers and members of the public.

In response she was given categorical reassurance that there was no lower limit for the police to investigate shoplifting.

Susan is now raising awareness of this in support of Safer Business Action Week which sees police and partners across the country joining together to reduce business crime.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Susan Dungworth said: “This myth that thieves will get away with stealing lower value goods is simply untrue and it’s damaging to policing perceptions and retail crime reporting.

"And so, I want to put these persistent rumours to bed.

"Officers have made it clear to me that there has never been an operational £200 policy - and there are absolutely no plans for there to be.

She continued: “Time and time again, we are seeing offenders who have committed shoplifting offences well below the £200 mark, rightly being put before the courts.

"Anyone thinking otherwise or that they will get away with it is wrong.

"Let’s be clear - Northumbria Police will take robust action against those who are committing shop theft at all levels – whether it’s a fiver or five hundred pounds – theft is theft.

"Shoplifting can also go hand in hand with violence, threats and abuse towards staff and these offences will also be treated with the seriousness they deserve.”

Reports of shoplifting have been rising across the UK and tackling this crime is a priority for Northumbria Police who use uniformed patrols in hotspots, plain clothes operations and public engagement to tackle shoplifting.

Most recently additional patrols as part of Project Shield, funded through the PCC’s office, have been praised for increasing visibility and helping deter crime.

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo with a £1 trial subscription for four weeks here.

Most read:

Chief Inspector Ian Blakemore, Northumbria Police’s retail crime lead, said: “We take every report of theft very seriously and we carefully assess the risk to determine the best course of action.

“We understand the detrimental impact theft can have on businesses, shop workers and the community.

“It’s also often the case that proceeds from shoplifting contribute towards funding more serious and organised criminality.

“That’s why it’s important we continue to work closely with businesses and organisations to create a hassle-free, safe environment for shoppers and retailers.”