The Prime Minister’s promised crackdown on retail crime has received a mixed response from candidates in the race to become the county’s police and crime commissioner.

PM Rishi Sunak said perpetrators who assault shop workers could be sent to prison for up to six months, receive an unlimited fine and be banned from the premises under a standalone criminal offence.

If offenders breach a criminal behaviour order barring them from specific outlets there could be a sentence of up to five years in jail.

He also said use of advanced technology such as facial recognition may be employed.

Liberal Democrat candidate Graham Colley, who is a lawyer, said the “new” powers of sentence already exist for assault.

He added: “Of course, I welcome supporting shop workers from being assaulted but there is nothing new in the sentencing that isn’t already available for common assault.

“We should be providing more resources into dealing with the problem at its source.”

Matthew Scott, Conservative candidate for Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “I have worked with Kent Police to support retailers and shop workers in the fight against theft.

“Charges are up 37% in the last four years. And in the last three months alone, Kent Police has secured 44% more charges for shoplifting, because they are being proactive in working with businesses.

“These changes recognise the seriousness of the offences being committed against shop workers.

“As someone who has worked in retail and have myself been assaulted, I welcome the government’s decision to bring in tougher punishments.”

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Since 2010, violent and neighbourhood crime in England and Wales has fallen dramatically, showing our plan to keep our streets safe is working. Yet shoplifting and violence and abuse towards retail workers continues to rise.

“I am sending a message to those criminals - whether they are serious organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders or opportunistic thieves – who think they can get away with stealing from these local businesses or abusing shopworkers, enough is enough.

“Our local shops are the lifeblood of our communities and they must be free to trade without the threat of crime or abuse.”

Labour candidate Lenny Rolles said: “Year on year, reports of shoplifting are up in Kent. This is different to those charged, which has a major impact on the small business I speak with.

“Whilst I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement, it is disappointing that it has taken over 10 years of Labour campaigning for this Conservative government take action.

“After 14 years of Conservative cuts to funding and police numbers there isn’t enough capacity for police to respond to every report.

“That’s why Labour is committed to introducing 13,000 more police and police and community support officers.”