Shoplifting?

[mushroom25]

In the news recently because of a reported spike:-
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-66784250

last week Policing Minister Chris Philp said "thefts from shops should not be tolerated at any level"
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/shoplifting-policing-minister-chris-philip-b2404284.html

this is today's front page for the Daily Mirror:-
https://www.frontpages.com/daily-mirror/

this has created something of a storm on social media, along the lines of why is a "left wing tabloid" seeking to persecute the poor and desperate who must engage in Urban Foraging because it's the only way to survive.

Is the reported shoplifting epidemic mainly in the hands of the severely disadvantaged? if yes, is it right for everyone - including store owners and the police - to look the other way?

[Canary42]

Surely shoplifting should be allowed, otherwise it's one of nailedit's abuses of our freedom 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃😃.