Labour Party officials have acknowledged that shoplifting in Britain has escalated to an unmanageable level. Reports indicate that police officers have instructed a shopkeeper to remove a sign labeling shoplifters as "scumbags," reflecting a concern over offending offenders rather than prioritizing enforcement. Critics argue that the UK's data protection regulations, such as GDPR, now inadvertently favor shoplifters over shopkeepers, complicating efforts to deter theft. Additionally, police forces like Lincolnshire Police face underfunding and overstretching, limiting their ability to respond effectively to shoplifting incidents. Business owners express frustration over bearing the financial burden of private prosecutions to combat theft, while commentators highlight a perceived imbalance in prioritizing offenders' rights over those of law-abiding citizens and victims.