An online survey of 1,008 people revealed that 47% believe shoplifting should be punished with community service rather than a prison sentence.
The survey was conducted on behalf of Group 4 Securicor who said the findings demonstrate a worrying trend in public awareness and attitudes to shoplifting.
Douglas Greenwell, sales and marketing director of Group 4 Securicor, said: “There appears to be a worrying softening in attitudes towards shoplifting in Britain and the penalties for offenders.
“Support for a reduction in the toughest penalty for shoplifting, from a custodial sentence to a high-level community order, reinforces the perception that shoplifting is a victimless crime that is not worthy of a significant penalty.”
The survey also showed that only one-in-three would report someone to the police if they suspected them of selling stolen items.
What do you think? Should shoplifters receive a community or custodial sentence for shoplifting? What kind of message does this send out to people?
Contact us with your thoughts at Glenn.Pearson@nexusmedia.com
