What is going on in this country? I read yesterday that the government intend to let Shoplifters escape punishment if they hand their stolen goods back and say sorry which is utter nonsense!
Is this Labour Government aware that over £800 million pounds was lost by retailers last year because of shop lifting? Who does the government think is picking up the tab?
First time offenders will escape with a simple warning if they say sorry, and return stolen items valued at £200 or less. The worst that could happen under these proposals is a record of the ticking-off would be kept at the local police station. But police, who would supervise the apology, could then class the crime as being solved. I could be cynical and say that this is another example of this government manipulating statistics for its own gain.
If they were caught shoplifting a second-time, the offender would still not get a criminal record. Instead, they would receive a fixed-penalty notice worth £80. How would the police know it is a second offence if they are not recording the first? Again nonsense!
It is a ridiculous 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 sorry?
Even the Police Federation think it is unworkable, they have said that someone could get caught shoplifting in different towns, receiving spot fines, and nobody would know.
This is a direct result of Labour effectively
decriminalising many serious crimes. It is an absolute insult that so many of them are getting away with the equivalent of a parking ticket instead of facing proper justice. This completely undermines claims by Labour to be tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime.
What is even worse is that violent criminals will also escape with a fine. Again these violent offenders will be given a fine if they say sorry with attached conditions. Offences that are planned to be covered under the "conditional caution scheme" will include assaulting a policeman and criminal damage.
The conditions could include fines or doing work to repair the damage they have caused. Of course that comes with it limitations, they can only do a maximum of 20 hours work and this must not interfere with their everyday lives. What about the everyday lives of the victims?!
If we can't get the basics right then it is no wonder we have the problems we do have with regards youth nuisance and Anti-social behaviour. The government do not seem to care that these offenders already stick 2 fingers up at the law and legal system. We should be toughening up on sentencing not going soft.
Then and only then can we even start to think that we can claim back our streets and start to get the respect back into society that seems to be lacking in many parts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article