Shopkeeper Details Over 50 Citizen’s Arrests Amid Rising Shoplifting Incidents

Shopkeeper Martin Gaunt reports having performed over 50 citizen’s arrests within the past two years, attributing these actions to what he characterizes as a “relentless” wave of shoplifting. He states, “These people will threaten you, they will raise their fists… There comes a point where you do need to think about your own safety.” While individuals are permitted to make an arrest if they have reasonable suspicion of a serious offense and police attendance is not feasible, the National Police Chiefs Council advises contacting 999 when a crime is in progress. As shoplifting reaches unprecedented levels in England, as reported by the Home Office, certain retailers assert they are compelled to confront perpetrators personally. Mr. Gaunt, speaking from his gift shop Happy Piranha in Truro, Cornwall, under the gaze of CCTV cameras, indicates he perceives no alternative but to directly challenge criminals to safeguard his family’s business. Mr. Gaunt explains his initial approach involves requesting the return of merchandise from a suspected thief. However, if they decline, he will “block their exit route,” informing them of his right to hold them until law enforcement arrives. He notes that these encounters can escalate to violence. In one instance, after a younger man adopted an “aggressive stance” and pinned his son, Mr. Gaunt intervened, sustaining bruised ribs that he “felt for weeks.” He also observes, “At Christmas we find shoplifting increases dramatically.” According to Mr. Gaunt, police “rarely if ever” respond to calls, and their initial inquiry is whether the criminal remains “still on site.” He asserts, “If you perform a civil arrest you should get police attendance.” The Office of National Statistics recorded 469,788 shoplifting incidents in England and Wales during the year ending June, marking a 28% rise compared to 2023. In Devon and Cornwall, the situation was more severe, with an increase of 37% to 8,775 shoplifting offences. Section 24A of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 grants individuals other than constables the authority to arrest without a warrant. This power can be exercised against anyone actively committing an indictable offense or anyone reasonably suspected of doing so. Indictable offenses are defined as more serious crimes handled by the Crown Court. The individual making the arrest must also possess reasonable grounds for deeming it necessary and must inform the suspect of the alleged offense before contacting the police promptly. Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman, who leads the National Police Chiefs’ Council on acquisitive crime, affirmed their “committed” stance on decreasing theft and apprehending offenders. She stated that the Retail Crime Action Plan provides guidelines, which include pursuing all “reasonable lines of enquiry and prioritising attendance in incidents where violence is involved or an offender has been detained.” She also advised individuals to “prioritise their own safety” and dial 999 if a crime is occurring. Concurrently, law enforcement agencies are contending with acknowledged constraints; in May 2024, officers received directives to contemplate reducing arrests due to insufficient prison capacity. Mr. Gaunt further commented, “I understand they’re under-financed and under-resourced but we need more positive, collaborative action.” Data from the Home Office indicates that less than 20% of documented shoplifting offenses led to a charge or summons in the year ending March 2024. Louis Phelps and his partner, proprietors of Gadgetverse, a technical sales and repair store in Exeter, recounted that following a year during which nearly £20,000 worth of inventory was stolen, they personally tracked down and apprehended a perpetrator. Mr. Phelps detailed that among four attempted and three successful burglaries this year, one incident in February resulted in £12,000 of stolen equipment. He noted that the police responded quickly and conducted forensic investigations. However, Mr. Phelps stated that his own investigative efforts, involving visits to various stores in Exeter, were instrumental in locating their stolen items. He remarked, “It was still in the same city – in fact it was in multiple stores in the city – literally less than a mile away.” After discovering some of the merchandise at a different local establishment, Mr. Phelps collaborated with its manager to await the thief’s return. He concluded, “We detained him and got the police to come and arrest him.” Justine Hyde, who operates the Hyde and Seek lifestyle store in Exeter, characterized shoplifting as “pretty gruesome,” citing six occurrences thus far in 2024. She explained that she pursues and confronts individuals outside her store, but these efforts frequently prove ineffective. She stated, “Last time we caught a lady the police said it was going to cost too much money to chase this up, even though we knew who she was.” She added, “We are doing our own policing really because the police are absent.” The British Retail Consortium advises shopkeepers against confronting criminals. Tom Holder noted that shoplifting incurs a cost of £2bn “and rising,” further stating, “With this huge cost also comes the potential for violence and abuse, retail staff potentially trying to stop criminals.” A survey of retailers released by the consortium in February revealed a 50% increase in incidents of retail violence and abuse. Mr. Holder concluded, “Ultimately the job of catching and arresting criminals is one for the police.” Devon and Cornwall Police affirmed its dedication to collaborating with retailers to safeguard their establishments, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice when crimes are committed. The force stated that resources are allocated to maximize effectiveness, based on threat, risk, and harm. It further added, “We must prioritise attendance where violence is involved or a shoplifter is detained.” A Home Office spokesperson indicated that the government is implementing “strong action,” which includes eliminating a £200 threshold for low-value shop theft and establishing assault on a retail worker as a distinct offense. “The NPCC recommends only trained security guards detain offenders and forces will prioritise attendance at these incidents.” Andrew Sharman, co-ordinator for Exeter Business Against Crime, suggested that shoplifting is frequently fueled by drug operations and organized crime. He commented, “We can’t arrest our way out of it… It’s a deeper issue within society that needs to be addressed.” He also praised local law enforcement, stating, “The police here are the best force I’ve worked with, they are so proactive.” Returning to Truro, Mr. Gaunt concurred that shoplifting signifies broader societal issues. He expressed, “I feel desperate, I feel like giving up. It’s about so much more than a £20 teddy, it’s a broken society.”