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Petition · past parliament

Government to stop using the word 'SHOPLIFTING' and call it what it is 'THEFT'.

Closed 1,356 signatures

What the petition asks

The government have issued instructions to the Police to treat stealing items from shops below £200 as a misdemeanour. That is like saying to the criminals 'help yourselves'. The term 'SHOPLIFTING' is regarded by the public as petty and minor. Call it what it really is 'THEFT'
I have taken to putting up posters with the criminals face obscured, so they can identify themselves but nobody else can. I am making a statement that they criminals are not welcome in my shop. All of the people in my rogues gallery has been caught and either fined or is in Prison. The British Independent Retailers association and I believe that the public should regard criminals who steal from shops as what they are 'THIEVES'. Ban the use of the word SHOPLIFTING call it what it is 'THEFT'

Timeline

20 Nov 2015 Petition opened for signatures
20 May 2016 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,356
Status Closed
Opened 20 Nov 2015
Closed 20 May 2016

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.