Islington's MP went on the beat with police to hear how they are tackling a rise in shoplifting and robbery.

The Labour MP toured Angel, Upper Street and Chapel Market with officers on Thursday (November 30) to talk to them about what measures to support shops facing an increase in violent retail crime.

Shadow policing minister Alex Norris told Sky News last week that shoplifting had risen by a quarter over the past year, which he said was leading to more violence and abuse against shop workers.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk had said hoplifters will face the “full force of the law” if they attack retail staff during the Christmas period.

Ms Thornberry said: “I am incredibly lucky to have Angel Central, Chapel Market, and Upper Street in my constituency. That’s why I was particularly eager to join police on patrol last week to see what support they are offering local shops and small businesses over the Christmas period and what measures they are taking to tackle the rise in violent retail crime.

“Having visited the Cally Co-op recently with USDAW - Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers - and spoken to shop staff across the constituency who have to deal with retail crime on a daily basis – it is clearer than ever that shop workers need to have greater protection."

The Usdaw trade union and the British Independent Retail Association had warned that scrapping short sentences would embolden thieves.

Ms Thornberry added: "Many shopkeepers and their staff feel helpless as thieves are becoming increasingly bold and threatening in their actions, putting workers who try to stop them at serious risk of harm. Retail crime is not victimless."

She warned that if thefts and robberies were not acted on by police, it would lead to a "vicious circle" where the thieves get away with crime, raids become more frequent and violent, and shopkeepers and staff will feel increasingly helpless.

Praising those she had met and spoken to, she added: “The police are trying to stop that cycle and I really applaud their work. I was particularly impressed by the intelligence gathering and co-ordination between the police, the council, and the Angel London team. Gerry, the Business Crime Manager, who is in constant communication with local retail, is a reassuring and knowledgeable presence on the ground.

"PC Worden, Pearce, Roseje, and Lewis-Stutterby are all consummate and dedicated professionals who understand the strains on local businesses at this time of year and are dedicated to providing the support shops are looking for."