The word 'shoplifting' is under fire from the boss of a Cambridgeshire hardware independent, who says it is simply a euphemism for stealing.
Mackays of Cambridge managing director Neil Mackay has launched an online petition to try to get people to stop referring to 'shoplifting' and instead call the criminal act of stealing from shops 'shop theft'.

"Would you believe it? The government has issued directions to the police that they should treat shop theft below £200 as 'low level' and treat it as a misdemeanour," he told diyweek.net.

"For goodness sake. In my view that's like opening the doors to our shop and shouting 'help yourselves'!"

He is urging fellow retailers and customers to sign his petition at https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/113274 and change the public's perception of the crime of shop theft.

"In the 17th century stealing from shops over 5 shillings was a serious offence for which people could be deported to the colonies or worse," he went on.

"I'm not suggesting that we try and effect matters quite that far, but in my opinion things have gone far too far in the opposite direction. It's about time the public voice was heard on the matter.

"Please do circulate my petition link to as many as possible Tweet/Facebook or whatever social media system takes your fancy.

"If we can get to 10,000 signatures the government will guarantee to give an answer. If we could hit 100,000 they will consider holding a debate. How cool would that be?"