Police to target 500 chronic shoplifters in retail crime crackdown in England

Tactics to include GPS tagging for repeat offenders, high street bans and tougher sentences

Five hundred of the most prolific shoplifters across England will be targeted in a police crackdown on retail crime, with tougher sentences, high street bans and GPS tagging.

The home secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said up to 17 police forces would target the repeat offenders in their area, collecting evidence of offences to secure stronger sentences and ensure they face “real consequences”, backed by an extra £2.5m in funding.

Tactics will include the expanded use of criminal behaviour orders – where repeat offenders are banned from high streets and town centres – GPS tagging and intensive supervision courts, where perpetrators must attend regular judicial hearings.