John Lewis boss Sharon White has called on the government to implement tougher legislation on shoplifting following a surge of theft among gangs in recent months.

The chairwoman’s comments come after a large group of youths flooded Oxford Street earlier this month following a viral post on TikTok encouraging them to ‘rob JD Sports’.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, White said the government should introduce tougher legislation to combat the rise in anti-social behaviour and crime.

“The legislation is different in Scotland, so if you’re a shop worker and you’re abused and attacked, there’s a specific law that means it’s an offense.

“Legislation could do more, and of course, the police are stretched, but its not a victimless crime.”

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White said that measures similar to those in Scotland would make a tangible difference to the safety and help preserve the high street.

Data from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) shows that retail thefts have surged 27% across 10 of the UK’s largest cities and skyrocketed 68% in some of them.

“I liked that the Home Secretary Suella Braverman said ‘every crime matters’,” said White.

“I think there is a growing recognition that these aren’t trivial crimes, because those costs, if you’re suffering theft, those costs go back to the customers.

“I think if we had the legislation we had in Scotland, where it is an offense to abuse retail workers, it would be a massive plus.

“I think it makes a massive difference knowing your local copper will be there and take it seriously,” she said.

In a bid to crack down on shoplifting and violence against staff, John Lewis and Waitrose are offering free coffees for police officers who visit its stores.

Officers, including police community support officers, can also use the John Lewis’ staff’s subsidised canteen, where hot meals cost between £2 and £3, and use quiet staff seating areas and bathrooms.

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