The warrantless powers will allow officers to enter premises identified through technologies such as ‘find my phone’ apps, WiFi access points, Bluetooth signals, mobile network tracking, or devices attached to possessions or vehicles
Earlier this week, the UK Government introduced the Crime and Policing Bill in Parliament, marking a significant step in its Plan for Change and Safer Streets mission. The proposed legislation seeks to address some of the most pressing and harmful crimes affecting society, including knife crime, violence against women and girls, cyber crime, child sexual abuse, terrorism, and retail crime.
A key focus of the Bill is to strengthen police powers, particularly in combating mobile phone theft. Under the new provisions, officers will no longer require a warrant to search properties if stolen items have been electronically geolocated. This measure is aimed at enabling swift action within the crucial early stages—often referred to as the ‘golden hour’—of investigations.
The warrantless powers will allow officers to enter premises identified through technologies such as ‘find my phone’ apps, WiFi access points, Bluetooth signals, mobile network tracking, or devices attached to possessions or vehicles. The government believes this approach will improve the recovery of stolen items and enhance service to victims.
Additionally, the Bill targets crimes impacting the nation’s high streets. It proposes removing the effective immunity for shop theft involving goods valued below £200 and introduces greater protections for retail workers, particularly against assaults.
Liz Evans, Chief Commercial Officer (Non-food and Retail) at Asda, welcomed the Bill, emphasising its relevance to daily challenges faced by businesses. “The Crime and Policing Bill is a major step forward, which builds on the measures that this government has already introduced to deliver the Safer Streets mission. Recent interventions, like the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, will help us to directly tackle two significant challenges that we are facing as a business—incidences of assault and shoplifting are daily challenges across our estate, which have a devastating impact on colleagues and customers,” Evans said.
Jason Towse, Managing Director of Business Services at Mitie, also expressed support, particularly for the Bill’s specific focus on retail crime and worker safety. He stressed the growing problem of organised crime and violence against retail employees, including security personnel.
“Those in the industry know that retail crime is never victimless, with a shocking rise in organised crime, prolific offending and assaults on retail workers involving weapons. Too many have suffered and have been left with long lasting scars that persist even after their injuries have healed,” Towse stated. “The introduction of the assault of a retail worker as a standalone offence is long overdue and must become a reality as soon as possible so we finally start to see punishments that fit the crime and drive not just safer retail environments but safer communities in which we work and live.”
Towse also highlighted the often-overlooked role of security officers. In 2024 alone, 968 incidents have resulted in physical harm to security personnel across Mitie’s operations. “In today’s working world it’s hard to think of another environment where this would be tolerated,” he added.
He called for continued collaboration between retailers, security businesses, and law enforcement agencies as the Bill moves through Parliament. Data sharing and technology, including body-worn cameras and formal agreements between retailers and police, have already begun to yield positive results. Towse emphasised that with stricter penalties on the horizon, these tools are essential to securing convictions and improving safety standards.
The Crime and Policing Bill will now proceed through the legislative process, where its measures will be debated and refined before becoming law. If passed, it is expected to deliver stronger protections for victims, create safer streets, and offer businesses and communities more robust defences against crime.
