Penalty Notices for Disorder
Penalty Notices for Disorder (PNDs) were introduced in the 2004 via the Criminal Justice and Police Act. They were created to enable police to deal with low level crime without taking up too much time. A PND can be issued for theft of goods with a value of up to £200.
ACS supported the introduction of PNDs, as a tool to allow police to tackle shop crime. This support was dependent on them being issued in accordance with Home Office guidance which states:
- PNDs should only be issued when stolen goods amount to under £200
- PNDs should only be issued to first time offenders
- Only with the victim’s consent
However, there is currently concerns that PNDs may not be applied consistently or be affective in reducing shop crime. ACS main concerns are:
- That the Guidance is not being consistently followed
- There is not a national database of PND issued; therefore no record of PNDs issued in other police authorities
- PNDs are not acting as a deterrent
- Only 52% of fines are being paid by the initial deadline
ACS has been in talks with Government, who have agreed to hold a review into PND implementation. ACS also sits on the National Retail Crime Steering Group with Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker.