Oliver Letwin has taken part in a fact-finding mission to examine the effects of retail crime in local communities.

The shadow home secretary visited a newsagent in London run by Bhikhubhai Patel, who has been a victim of crime on "dozens of occasions this year alone".

A spokesman for the Home Office told ePolitix.com: "The government takes all form of business crime seriously and is fully prepared to play its part in the fight against it."

Forum Response: British Retail Consortium

David Smith, director of corporate affairs at the BRC, said: "Mr Patel's experiences demonstrate how retail crime is being fought by retailers daily. The police do not give priority to incidents involving shops and shop staff because retail crime is not one of the key performance indicators on which they are judged and funded.

"Shop owners pay their taxes and business rates and are entitled to expect to be able to trade in a safe environment.

"The government has allocated £15 million to tackling retail crime targeted at a small number of secondary shopping parades over a three year period. The money runs out next year and there is no long-term strategy to tackle this major social issue that impacts on all our lives.

"Two thirds of losses from crime go to support drug abuse and the majority of thefts, especially those involving violence, are by drug addicts.

"By tackling retailing crime the government could cut off the supply line that funds a drug habit and develop a proper rehabilitation strategy to help users in the long-term. The government is running a consultation on business crime and I hope that they use this opportunity to make a difference to our high streets and shops."

Forum Response: Usdaw

John Hannett, deputy general secretary of Usdaw, said: "Violence, threats and abuse against shop workers is a major concern to all our members, that is why we have launched our Freedom from Fear Campaign. We are seeking partnership with the government, local authorities, the police and retailers to deal with the growing problem of retail crime.

"On September 17 Usdaw is organising Respect for Shop Workers Day, which will highlight the abuse our members face every day. We will be encouraging shop customers to sign up to a charter of respect for shop workers in shopping centres and stores across the country.

"Usdaw's Freedom from Fear Campaign is supported by the government and we will continue to work with them to make shops safer for staff and customers alike."