Police could search for stolen goods without warrant under new law

New Measures to Tackle Street Crimes: Swift Police Action for Recovering Stolen Items

The UK government has introduced new measures to parliament aimed at tackling the rising wave of street crimes, particularly the theft of mobile phones, laptops, bikes, and other valuables. Under these measures, police officers will no longer require a warrant to enter premises where stolen items have been electronically tracked. This change is expected to enable swifter action, especially during the critical "golden hour" following a theft when the likelihood of recovering stolen goods and securing convictions is highest. The initiative is part of the broader Crime and Policing Bill, set to become law later this year.

Streamlined Police Procedures: Empowering Officers to Act Quickly

A police inspector will now have the authority to approve premises entry, eliminating the need to wait for a judge or magistrate. This streamlined process aims to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement in addressing thefts, which have seen a significant rise. According to Home Office figures, snatch thefts of mobile phones and bags have more than doubled in the past year, with over 200 incidents reported daily in 2024. Despite victims providing tracking evidence, only 0.8% of these cases resulted in charges, highlighting the need for more effective police response.

Expanded Powers for Law Enforcement: Recovering Stolen Property

The new powers extend beyond mobile phones and laptops to include stolen vehicles, tools, and tractors that can be geolocated. Additionally, tougher penalties are being introduced for individuals found in possession of signal jammers used to steal keyless cars, with violators facing up to five years in prison. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to combating organized crime and reducing the frustration felt by victims who often have the means to track their stolen items but see little action taken.

Addressing Organized Crime and Urban Safety

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the impact of organized gangs targeting mobile phones, stating that communities are being blighted by these crimes. The new measures aim to give police the necessary tools to act swiftly, thus deterring criminals and restoring public confidence. Cooper stressed the importance of empowering police to recover stolen goods efficiently, particularly in urban areas where street theft has surged.

Broader Crime and Policing Reforms: Addressing Multiple Threats

The Crime and Policing Bill encompasses a wide range of reforms, targeting not only street theft but also knife crime, violence against women and girls, cybercrime, child sexual abuse, and terrorism. New criminal offenses include assaulting shopworkers, "cuckooing" (using a vulnerable person’s home for illegal activities), and desecrating war memorials. Additionally, the bill introduces measures against spiking and the use of AI to produce child sexual abuse material, underscoring a proactive approach to emerging and persistent threats.

Building Community Confidence: Enhancing Police Presence and Support

The government has acknowledged the need to balance these new powers with sufficient police capacity, as plans to recruit 13,000 additional community police officers remain in place. The bill also introduces respect orders to tackle persistent harm in communities, akin to the previous ASBOs but with added requirements like anger management courses. While the focus is on restoring law and order, concerns about the impact on the prison system and the effectiveness of these measures in practice remain areas for further assessment.

Conclusion: Taking Back Our Streets

In conclusion, the Crime and Policing Bill represents a significant effort to address the rising tide of street crimes and antisocial behavior. By equipping police with the necessary powers and resources, the government aims to restore public confidence and create safer communities. However, the success of these measures will depend on effective implementation and the ability of law enforcement to manage the increased workload without compromising other critical responsibilities.