A former police sergeant says shoplifters who keep re-offending should receive community service punishments as prison sentences are not effective.
Stuart Brotherton, the Business Watch co-ordinator for Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce is taking his fight for a change in how repeat offenders are dealt with to central government.
The former police sergeant for Spalding says there are 38 such repeat offenders who are banned from the 36 shops he watches over in South Holland.
Stuart believes the threat of imprisonment may be what encourages them to target shops.
As evidence he states one offender who was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison recently, was out in three and back before the courts within days.
Stuart says he feels community service will embarrass the offenders more and through South Holland MP John Hayes, is to take his views to justice secretary David Gauke.
Stuart said: “I want him to look seriously at how the justice system can change so magistrates have more options to deal with repeat offenders.
“Imprisonment doesn’t work. It’s not a solution that makes offenders any better.
“Shoplifting’s a cancer that needs to be looked at seriously.
“The public needs a better service.”
Stuart says repeat offenders are “happy” to go back to prison, “it becomes like a prison probation service,” and that they often don’t have the finances to pay for compensation or fines.
“Repeat offenders know shoplifting is the crime that’s got the least punishment,” he continues. “Community service can bring that embarrassment element which I think will act as more of a deterrent.
“The offenders can then put something back into the community, something constructive.”
Stuart says he feels businesses need more protection more than ever.
“Shoplifting has been described as a victimless crime but that is a joke,” he said. “Retail is going through a difficult time and it’s not made much better by shelves being stripped.
“Most shops can’t afford to pay security guards or install expensive CCTV.
“There’s also the threat of violence.”
