Proposals to let first-time shoplifters off with simply saying 'sorry' are being slammed by retailers, who fear the Home Office is preparing to "go even softer" on criminals who target shops.

In its response to the Home Office consultation on revised measures to tackle anti-social behaviour, the British Retail Consortium said retailers are seriously concerned about plans to extend the existing system of on the spot fines for first offences to include repeat offenders, with an 'on the street apology' introduced for the first criminal act.

Retailers believe fixed penalty notices, introduced for shoplifting offences less than three years ago, are being routinely abused. They say that in a number of cases they are being incorrectly applied without the victim's consent, to repeat offenders and for offences where goods worth more than £200 have been stolen.

Extending the use of on the spot fines will further dilute the penalties for shop crime and will give offenders the green light to reoffend, the BRC believes.

BRC director general Kevin Hawkins said: "The average shoplifter makes off with £149 worth of goods every time they steal. It is a nonsense to think a repeat offender is going to be put off by an £80 fine. And what kind of message does it send to a first time offender if all they have to do is say a quick 'sorry' before heading off home?

"The Home Office simply doesn't understand the nature of the crime. It is not some victimless bit of naughtiness. It has a significant human and social cost, leaves shop staff open to acts of violence and costs retailers more than £2 billion a year.

"We're not suggesting that the kid who makes a one-off mistake should be nailed to the wall but repeat offenders should know that if they go on stealing they will be punished.

"A 'sorry' or a token fine are no deterrent. However full prisons are, the Home Office needs to show it recognises shop crime matters by rejecting these proposals."

Source

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