‘Don’t ignore shoplifters stealing food during cost of living crisis’, minister tells police

Food prices have risen by almost 7 per cent

(Picture: PA)

Policing minister Kit Malthouse has told officers not to ignore shoplifters stealing food out of desperation during the cost-of-living crisis.

It follows a warning from the new chief inspector of constabulary Andy Cooke who said rising prices will lead to increasing crime and pose a challenge for policing.