Whats the law on shoplifting in the uk?

allllec

allllec

allllec

Soldato
Joined
5 Aug 2006
Posts
4,261
Firstly - i have no intention of shoplifting!

But, whats the law around it? like say someone got caught shop lifting something worth a couple hundred quid - what would happen to them (lets assume its a first offence)?

ta

alec
 
You're not allowed to do it.

Specifically, it's a criminal offense and you could end up with a criminal record.
 
i suspect it would vary a bit by the force etc, but minimum a caution, and some companies will take out civil action against you.

Unless of course you're Superman, in which case I suspect as long as you don't damage the store and put it back on it's foundations....


i'll get my coat
 
Theft Act 1968

Shoplifting would be Section 7.

First offence, he'll get a suspended sentence the most for shoplifting, may be community service.

But you should also know that Theft carries a maximum 7 years sentence.
 
Last edited:
I do like the idea of the supermarkets taking private prosecutions for their costs in these cases

like most criminals shoplifters get off far too lightly IMO
 
noticed in the local paper today there was new section about people who had been prosecuted for various things. most were for shoplifting(people who had already been caught doing it before) every single one just had to pay back the value of what they stole.

seems pretty daft to me, although they do get the criminal record so sucks to be them in the end even if they are laughing now
 
allllec said:
Firstly - i have no intention of shoplifting!

But, whats the law around it? like say someone got caught shop lifting something worth a couple hundred quid - what would happen to them (lets assume its a first offence)?

ta

alec
Click to expand...

Well it depends what the Manager of said store does, he might £let u of with a warning" i know I was let off (10 years ago) and actually that made me stop when I got caughtm not been doing it since, i got banned from the shop, went back a year later, and been going back ever since! :)

But bascialy theres usualy a sign in the store saying "all shoplifters will be presecusted" meaning u will get a criminal record and probabaly spent the night jail :p
 
Raymond Lin said:
Theft Act 1968

Shoplifting would be Section 7.

First offence, he'll get a suspended sentence the most for shoplifting, may be community service.

But you should also know that Theft carries a maximum 7 years sentence.
Click to expand...

Does Section 7 not just define the maximum sentence for theft with Section 1 defining the points to prove, ie dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it?

For a first offence of shoplifting you are likely looking at either a condition or a conditional caution or a reprimand if it's a youth. A fixed penalty is an option if it's under £100 value and the property is recovered although fixed penalties are not used for juveniles.

Once done, most supermarkets will ban you so if you enter and steal again you technically commit burglary.
 
ShiWarrior said:
"all shoplifters will be presecusted"
Click to expand...
Did someone have a gun to your head when you typed that? :D

I worked as a manager of a supermarket for approximately 10 years. During that time, on many, many occasions, we would catch a thief, report him, he/she would be picked up and within 3-4 hours back in the shop trying again. And this was even happening with repeat offenders. Basically the Police told us that they were pretty much powerless to do anything other than caution them. The thieves know this too. A common practice for the Heroin users was to come in, attempt to steal something knowing that if they get away, good times, but if they were caught, they basically would claim that they hadn't had their Methadone and claim suicidal tendancies and hey presto, the Police were obliged to get a Doctor in to basically cater for their needs. It's win win in the world of the thieving Smackrat.
 
Judge Mortis said:
Does Section 7 not just define the maximum sentence for theft with Section 1 defining the points to prove, ie dishonestly appropriating property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it?

For a first offence of shoplifting you are likely looking at either a condition or a conditional caution or a reprimand if it's a youth. A fixed penalty is an option if it's under £100 value and the property is recovered although fixed penalties are not used for juveniles.

Once done, most supermarkets will ban you so if you enter and steal again you technically commit burglary.
Click to expand...

I know what Section 1-6 is, it's practically a definition of Theft without going into case law. Don't think the OP was asking how much weight the court put on Appropriation and dishonesty, R v Lawrence/ Morris/ Gomez/ Hinks....etc
 
joeconway said:
noticed in the local paper today there was new section about people who had been prosecuted for various things. most were for shoplifting(people who had already been caught doing it before) every single one just had to pay back the value of what they stole.

seems pretty daft to me, although they do get the criminal record so sucks to be them in the end even if they are laughing now
Click to expand...

Your from southend, doesnt it say it all :p

Essex Geeza :D
 
Megahurtz400 said:
Your from southend, doesnt it say it all :p

Essex Geeza :D
Click to expand...


haha yeah it does doesnt it, that and the OTHER segment which is on page 2 every time specifically for stuff which has been nicked:)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom