The UK government is introducing a new measure that allows police officers to enter properties without a warrant if tracking apps like ‘Find My Phone’ indicate that stolen items, such as phones or high-value goods, are inside.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that these powers aim to give law enforcement the ability to act quickly and effectively against phone snatchers and thieves.
What the New Powers Mean for Police
Under this proposed change, police officers would no longer need to obtain a warrant to search for stolen goods if tracking devices, such as GPS on phones or bicycles, lead them to a specific location.
This could be a significant step toward tackling theft, as police can now act faster to recover stolen items.
However, there are still some uncertainties regarding how these powers will be applied, especially when it comes to residential areas like apartment buildings.
The geolocation data may not always provide pinpoint accuracy, so police will need strong evidence before entering a property.
Home Secretary’s Commitment to Fighting Crime
Yvette Cooper emphasized the frustration victims feel when they can see the exact location of their stolen items, like a phone, but law enforcement cannot take action immediately.
She stressed that the new powers would help police crack down on these crimes and provide quicker resolutions for victims.
Other Key Features of the Crime and Policing Bill
Along with the new powers to enter properties, the bill includes several other measures aimed at tackling various forms of crime.
One notable change is the reintroduction of the ‘Asbo’ (Anti-Social Behaviour Order), though with some modifications.
New Anti-Social Behaviour Orders
These orders will now be referred to as ‘respect orders,’ and they will be issued by a civil court.
Breaching these orders could lead to immediate arrest and even jail time.
However, unlike previous Asbos, which applied to anyone over the age of 10, the new orders will only be imposed on adults, and the maximum sentence will be reduced to two years.
Measures to Address Knife Crime and Spiking
The bill also includes tougher penalties for crimes like knife carrying and ‘spiking’ (the act of secretly putting substances into someone’s drink).
For the first time, spiking will be explicitly categorized as a criminal offense.
Additionally, climbing on historic war memorials will now be illegal, following backlash over incidents involving the desecration of memorials at protests.
Addressing the Shoplifting Crisis
The bill includes provisions to address the rise in shoplifting, which saw a 23% increase in offenses in the past year.
A new offense will be created specifically for assaulting retail workers.
The legislation also seeks to reverse changes made in the past, which limited the ability of Crown Courts to handle shoplifting cases under £200.
The Controversy Over Crime Bill Measures
While many of these proposals are seen as a step forward in combatting crime, some critics argue that the bill could cause delays in the justice system.
Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, criticized the government for reusing measures from the previous administration, calling it a “copy and paste” approach.
He also raised concerns that making low-level shoplifting cases eligible for trial in the Crown Court could lead to long delays in cases being heard.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The Crime and Policing Bill is expected to be passed toward the end of the year.
While the changes are intended to address growing concerns around crime and public safety, some experts believe the government needs to carefully consider the potential impact on the court system and police resources before implementing such sweeping measures.