Norfolk’s Chief Constable says justice delays weaken shoplifting sentences despite a 10 per cent fall in recorded offences last year.
Norfolk’s Chief Constable says delays in the criminal justice system mean shoplifters are sometimes being punished too long after committing an offence.
Paul Sanford says more investment is needed to speed up sentencing and ensure offenders can access appropriate support services.
He highlighted delays in court cases, offenders being released on bail while waiting to be sentenced and waiting lists for treatment programmes as areas where improvements are needed.
Mr Sanford says lengthy delays can reduce the impact of a sentence for both offenders and victims, including retailers who want to see timely action taken.
His comments come as Home Office figures show recorded shoplifting offences in Norfolk fell by 10 per cent during 2025/26 compared with the previous year.
Norfolk also recorded the lowest proportion of shoplifting investigations in England and Wales which ended without a suspect being identified, at 28 per cent.
Mr Sanford praised officers for their work tackling persistent offenders but said shoplifting levels remain high and continued action is needed.
He also called for properly resourced services for offenders whose crimes may be linked to alcohol or drug dependency.
Norfolk Police says tackling retail crime requires close cooperation between officers, businesses and other agencies.

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