4th February 2010 - Argus letters page.

So Norman Baker MP thinks shops seeking costs against shoplifters are being "draconian and out of order" (Argus 2nd Feb). As someone whose first job was as a shop assistant, and who on many occasions ended up chasing shoplifters I can assure him theft can make all the difference as to whether a business survives or not.

Why should customers, retailers and staff pay the price for those who steal? Does he think that when someone is caught stealing something worth £5 that it is the only time they have stolen, most shoplifters steal compulsively taking hundreds of pounds worth of goods a week. If the Police and courts won't prosecute, then I am not surprised that stores are seeking civil recovery to make sure there is a real deterrent to this crime that we all end up paying for.

Simon Burgess
Labour and Co-op Candidate for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven