ACS

ACS has welcomed the Sentencing Advisory Panel’s announcement that custody will remain a sanction for repeat shop thieves.

In the Guidance the Panel states that drug and alcohol treatment orders are an alternative to custodial and community sentences. This is an attempt to tackle the addictions behind some repeat offending. The Panel also reiterated that any restitution order should not be used as a mitigating factor while sentencing.

The Sentencing Advisory Panel also announced that the sentencing starting point for breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for adults will increase.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the Sentencing Advisory Panel’s decision to retain the option of custody for shop theft. It is important that magistrates have a range of sanctions to punish and deter repeat offenders. Shop theft is a crime that harms livelihoods and jobs and there has to be an effective deterrent.

“We are also glad that the Sentencing Advisory Panel followed our recommendation regarding sentencing for breach of ASBOs. It is important that there is a credible punishment in place for breaching an order.”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978

Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Michael Saxton/ Grappa PR
Julie Kirby 020 7602 9222

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. In accordance with section 143(2) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, any recent previous convictions for theft and dishonesty offences will need to be taken into account in sentencing. Where an offender demonstrates a level of ‘persistent’ or ‘seriously persistent’ offending, the community and custody thresholds may be crossed even though the other characteristics of the offence would otherwise warrant a lesser sentence.

Click here to view the Sentencing Guidelines document.