PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
SHOP THEFT SENTENCING (20 November 2006)

That this House shares the concerns of the British Retail Consortium about proposals from the Sentencing Advisory Panel which considerably weaken the effective punishment and deterrents for retail crime by either removing custodial sentences or severely limiting them; believes that such leniency will create the perception that theft from shops is acceptable, leading to an increase in retail crime and a consequent further reduction in public and community protection; recognises that although custodial sentences are not the panacea to curbing retail crime, prison not only sends a clear message that shop theft is serious but also provides some respite to victims; is extremely dismayed that, despite over 60 per cent. of instances of violence occurring during shop theft, the Sentencing Advisory Panel considers shoplifting to be a nuisance causing minor harm, an approach which exemplifies the apparent belief amongst policy makers that retail crime is victimless; further recognises that shoplifting is often an entry level crime which frequently leads to other offences and is often a means of funding drug addiction, as well as financing organised crime and terrorism; and calls on the Government to establish a retail crime strategy steering group, including ministerial representation, to develop and implement a retail crime strategy for England and Wales.

Sponsored by:
Mr Nigel Evans (Conservative)