Shoplifting

EDM number 2533 in 2007-08, proposed by Anne McIntosh on 19/11/2008.
Categorised under the topic of Crime.

That this House notes that there were 290,625 recorded incidences of retail theft in 2007-08, that shoplifting offences attract Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND) which carry a fine of 80, and that 40 per cent. of all PND go unpaid; further notes that multiple PND are being issued to some individuals who have no means of payment or intention to pay, and that PND should only be issued when there is likelihood of payment; further notes that under 50 per cent. of all community orders were served in full in 2007; urges the Government to amend the Association of Chief Police Officer guidelines to ensure that the issuing of PND reflect police judgement that the individual has the capacity to pay, and that a PND is the most appropriate sentence in the circumstances; further urges the Government to ensure that the Police National Computer is maintained and updated at all times and does not allow for the issuing of repeat PND across constabularies; further urges the Sentencing Guidelines Council to ensure that community orders are completed in full, and that the sentencing guidelines are enforced to ensure that offenders with drink or drug problems are issued with sentences that recognise those problems with an appropriate rehabilitation order; and recommends that sentencing guidelines be revised to ensure that strict sentences are issued when a PND is not paid within 21 days, or where repeat or aggravated offences are committed.

This motion has been signed by a total of 10 MPs.