What: John Lewis chairwoman Sharon White expressed concerns about the safety of store staff due to an increase in organized gangs targeting high-value items.

Why it is important: The rise of organized gangs targeting high-value items and the lack of police response poses a threat to the safety of store staff and results in substantial financial losses for retailers like John Lewis.

White stated that the lack of police response has reduced the fear of punishment for these criminals. The rise in shoplifting this year has cost John Lewis an additional GBP 12m compared to last year. White, along with other retail bosses, is calling for tougher enforcement on shoplifting and the classification of assault or abuse of retail workers as aggravated offenses. She also mentioned that there has been no noticeable increase in police response to shoplifting despite retailers' demands.

The government recently launched a Retail Crime Action Plan to combat shoplifting. However, White believes that the lack of response signifies a "profound break in the social contract" for both the public and businesses.

John Lewis boss fears for store safety as ‘organised gangs’ turn to shoplifting