Judges need to toughen enforcement on shoplifting to tackle the rise in thefts across Britain, the owner of Primark has said.

Associated British Foods chief executive George Weston revealed the fashion retailer was experiencing a record number of shoplifting cases and assaults on workers.

He explained Primark was introducing body cameras for staff, as well as increasing its CCTV and security guards to tackle the issue.

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Weston noted that despite positive progress between police and retail companies, judges and magistrates needed to take incidents more seriously.

“There have been too many examples of theft not being taken as seriously as I think they should be.

“Those who are responsible for law and order need to help us get on top of this” he said.

His comments echo that of John Lewis chairwoman Sharon White, who branded UK high streets as “looting grounds” for criminal gangs and called on the government to implement tougher legislation on shoplifting.

On Monday it was revealed that ten of Britain’s largest retailers would fund a new police operation that aimed to deter shoplifters.

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