ACS

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has reacted with dismay today at recommendations made by a Government advisory panel not to send ‘shoplifters’ to jail. ACS Chief Executive David Rae said the proposals sent, “the wrong message to retailers and to would-be shop thieves.”

The Sentencing Advisory Panel, an independent advisory body to the Government, was asked by the Sentencing Guidelines Council to examine the sentencing of criminals who commit shop theft. In response to this request the Panel today published a consultation document seeking views on current sentencing guidelines.

The Panel is asking for views on two options:

1. A standard offence to never attract more than a community order. This means that even a persistent offender would not be sentenced to jail time.
2. To allow for a custodial sentence to be applied for shop theft committed a by a ‘seriously persistent offender’.

The Panel is only considering non-violent offences. Shop thefts involving violence will continue to be punishable with custodial sentences.

ACS Chief Executive David Rae said: “Shop theft is a serious issue that impacts on local shops and the communities they serve. Courts need to have available the full range of effective measures to tackle this crime, and that includes custodial sentences. ACS has supported the use of fixed penalty notices for first time offenders, and of course there are other measures that can be used before a prison sentence is considered, but this deterrent is essential.

“This proposal from the Sentencing Advisory Panel sends out entirely the wrong message, especially given the role that shop theft plays in anti-social behaviour within communities. If the Government is really serious about tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting the law abiding majority, then they will join us in opposing this idea.”

Mr Rae has made the case for effective sentencing on national radio and TV today, and ACS will be making a full response to the consultation on the Advisory Panel’s recommendations. ACS is opposed to the Panel’s Option 1, and is seeking further clarity on the definition of a “seriously persistent offender” in Option 2 to ensure that custodial sentences can be applied by a court where merited.


Contact

Rachel Lawson
ACS Communications Co-ordinator
01252 515001


Notes to Editors

1) The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) was formed in 1995 as the retail trade association for the UK convenience store sector. ACS is the fastest growing trade association in the UK retail market, representing over 32,500 shops.

2) ACS has established strong links in Parliament through its lobbying activities on behalf of the neighbourhood store sector.

3) Responses to the consultation paper should be received by 16 November 2006 and ACS will submit its members’ views.