There's another tool in the police toolbox for cracking down on crime.

A retail crime prevention advocate says he's happy with proposed law sentencing changes.

The Government's confirmed new proposals to increase penalties for shoplifting - including infringement fees, a new 'aggravated theft' offence, and prison sentences.

Ministerial Retail Crime Advisory Group lead Sunny Kaushal says we need to create deterrents - and he wants it to be easier for police to prosecute shoplifters.

LISTEN ABOVE

• Govt announces new fines, longer prison sentences for shoplifters
• Woman, 30, arrested in Huntly in relation to alleged shoplifting across Waikato and Counties Manukau
• 'Easy money': Woman stole $7k from grandmother, then used pushchair in shoplifting spree