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Fed up people across Britain say tougher measures to end the national shoplifting epidemic are desperately needed with a huge majority calling for serial thieves to be banned from entering any stores. Research from a major new poll found that 85% of people support an outright ban on repeat shoplifters being able to enter retail premises.

The Harris Poll also found that 81% back calls for the Government to introduce tougher punishments whilst 77% support the use of technology such as facial recognition to identify repeat offenders. The Express' Stop The Shoplifters crusade has reported extensively on how AI technology can have a dramatic impact on reducing offender numbers but civil rights groups have warned about potential privacy infringements. The findings comes after nationwide fury over the sacking of long-serving Morrisons manager Sean Egan following an altercation with a serial thief targeting his West Midlands store.

Mr Egan will this week meet Morrisons CEO Rami Baitieh to discuss his case after a public protest was mounted outside the Aldridge store last weekend.

Mr Egan says he reacted after serial shoplifter Daniel Kendall, who has over 100 offences to his name, spat at him whilst trying to flee with a bounty of stolen goods.

But ahead of the meeting Mr Baitieh appeared to question what occurred.

He said the supermarket had so far "refrained from detailed public comment because we do not believe that this would be helpful for Sean".

Mr Baitieh added: "To be clear, the public reporting of the incident does not reflect the full facts of the situation or fully consider the unintended consequences that can occur when colleagues physically confront criminals."

Mr Egan said in response he wanted the meeting to "get my point across" after he was dismissed following a disciplinary process after 29 years with the firm.

The comprehensive survey of 1,000 adults reinforced the growing frustration around how shoplifting is currently dealt with, with 79% believing theft is largely carried out by repeat offenders and 78% saying offenders are exploiting weak enforcement. In Mr Egan's case he says he was sacked for breaching his company's health and safety decree that orders staff to 'deter rather than detain' thieves.

But for many respondents the issue goes beyond just stolen goods. More than eight in ten (82%) say shoplifting is not a victimless crime, highlighting the impact on businesses, workers and communities.

Concerns around staff safety are also significant, with 73% saying shoplifting is often linked to intimidation or threats.

Steve Brockway, chief research officer at the Harris Poll UK, said: "Consumers clearly recognise that shoplifting has real consequences for businesses and the people working in stores. The strong support for banning repeat offenders from shops shows that many people believe tougher preventative measures are needed.

"What's also particularly interesting is the level of support for technology like facial recognition to identify repeat offenders. While it can sometimes be seen as controversial, many consumers appear to view it as a practical way to help retailers identify repeat offenders and protect staff. This demonstrates that when AI is seen as helping reduce crime, rather than a surveillance gathering tool, the outcomes are reframed for consumers.

"With incidents like those reported in Aldridge bringing renewed attention to the issue, the findings suggest there is growing public appetite across the UK for tougher action to tackle repeat offenders and improve safety for retail workers."