EAST Lancashire MP and convenience shop owner Nigel Evans has attacked Government proposals to decriminalise shoplifting.

The Tory backbencher said replacing proper prosecutions for this type of theft with on-the-spot fines would send out the wrong signals and lead to attacks on staff.

Mr Evans, who runs a family newsagents and shop in Swansea, said: "The Government promised to be tough on the courses of crime, but we have seen violent crimes increase, the amount of paperwork the police are forced to do hugely increased and too many criminals being released early.

"The Government's response to all of this seems to be to decriminalise cannabis, on-the-spot fines for all sorts of crimes and the latest incredible suggestion that shoplifting should be decriminalised.

"Speaking of someone who owns a store and has been the victim of a violent assault by a shoplifter, this half-baked idea will lead to more thefts and violent assaults at shops.

"The retail profession created 'buy one, get one free' and this Government has replaced it with 'buy none, get off free!'

"This will lead to a further strain on the retailing industry already operating on tight margins. Shoplifting is a theft, theft is crime, crime is wrong and criminals ought to pay a price over and above an on-the-spot fine."

Home Office sources said the idea was one of a number being considered to increase police efficiency, but no decisions had yet been taken.