The shadow home secretary has highlighted the growing problem of retail crime.

Oliver Letwin revealed details of research carried out by the British Retail Consortium showing that retail crime is now at record levels.

Highlighting the need to tackle retail crime, the Conservative spokesman visited one London newsagent who has been a victim of crime on "dozens of occasions this year alone".

Despite the repeated attacks no one has been apprehended for the particular crimes, said the Tories, which included a physical assault by six youths who also made off with £1000-worth of goods.

"Retail crime has reached epidemic levels, with 8.5 million customer thefts in 2002. Many shopkeepers are in a virtual war zone," Letwin said.

"These figures show how far the government has been hiding behind the inadequacies of the British Crime Survey.

"Much more attention needs to be paid to the three measures than can have an effect on crime: the effective, intensive, abstinence based on rehabilitation for hard drug addicts; the additional 40,000 extra police to which the Conservatives are committed; and a real effort by the Home Office to promote 'designing out' of crime through preventative measures at retail premises."

The effort to highlight shop theft comes amid fears that a governmental and police focus on other forms of crime is leaving retailers exposed to a growing threat from criminals.

Ministers have previously been accused of ignoring the growing cost of retail crime.

A recent British Retail Consortium survey found that retailers spent £500 million on crime prevention in 2002.

"Retail crime losses are broadly static thanks to the efforts of retailers, but the government doesn't appear to care that it cost the industry and therefore our customers £2.2 billion in 2002," said Bill Moyes, director general of the BRC.

"Small businesses are particularly vulnerable - they are more likely to be burgled or robbed and their staff are twice as likely to suffer physical violence," he added.

However, last month David Blunkett pledged £5.8 million to help local shopkeepers fight crime.