A Paisley charity boss is “not surprised” that some desperate people, including families, are resorting to shoplifting in order to make ends meet during the cost-of-living crisis.
Some people, in order to feed themselves and their families, have started stealing food and other basic necessities as they struggle to pay their energy and grocery bills.
Latest figures from Police Scotland show that shoplifting has risen to 2,189 in 2022 from 1,706 in 2021 - an increase of 28 per cent.
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Sharon McAulay, chief executive of Star Project, said: “I’m not condoning breaking the law by any means but who knows what any of us would resort to if we couldn’t feed our children and felt desperate!
"Many families are already struggling and it’s only going to get worse. Based on the average household energy use, families will need an income of over 35.5k, after housing costs, to avoid being plummeted into fuel poverty this October.”
There have been some concerns that due to the rise in energy prices, people who have never committed a crime, may look to do so in such desperate measures.
Deputy Chief Constable, Fiona Taylor QPM said: "The legacy of lockdown, and cost of living crisis, can also be seen in the ongoing reduction in housebreaking and shoplifting, which has increased year on year but is significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels.”
Fears have also been raised about people turning to dangerous ways in a desperate bid to not only save money, but also to keep warm as the weather sets to turn to colder temperatures.
People are using off-the-grid heaters putting not only themselves, but others at risk too.
Sharon added: “Centrica and the other big energy companies will continue to make billions while people freeze or go hungry. This is the criminality we should be baulking at right now.
“The PM and the potential incoming PMs need to get back to work, do the jobs they’re being paid to do, and do something to counteract this debacle before there is mass civil unrest.”
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