HC Deb 15 December 1977 vol 941 cc901-2
19. Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is yet in a position to provide information about the percentage of people on shoplifting charges who are first-time offenders on any criminal charge; and what importance he attaches to this statistic in assessing the reason for the high coincidence between shoplifting allegations and self-service shops and stores.

Mr. John

The most recent information available to me is based on a sample of persons convicted of shoplifting in January, 1971 in England and Wales. Sixty per cent. of the males and 81 per cent. of the females in that sample had no known previous convictions. The figures throw no particular light on the causes of shoplifting.

Mr. Adley

Even though those statistics are now six years old, are they not of great concern to the hon. Gentleman? Is he aware that an organisation calling itself the Association for the Prevention of Thefts in Shops has been set up by the stores, with ample funds, which implies that the trading methods used by self-service stores in no way affect the increase in shoplifting charges? The statistics also seek to cover up the fact that up to 70 per cent. of stores' losses are caused by thefts by staff in the shops. Will he accept the principle that self-service trading results in increases in shoplifting?

Mr. John

The hon. Gentleman and I have discussed this matter on a number of occasions. He will know that the Home Office research unit is conducting a project on shoplifting—a project which will look at shops, the ports and the police. At the moment it is studying trading practices in shops. It hopes to report on that later in 1978, and we hope to publish the report in 1979.

Sir A. Meyer

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that police forces throughout the country are made aware of the fact that it is all too easy for people without any criminal intent whatever to find themselves held on shoplifting charges, and that the mere appearance of these people in court can be damaging to the whole of their lives? Is he satisfied that police forces are well aware of that in bringing prosecutions?

Mr. John

Of course I understand, and I am concerned, that innocent people may be brought up on charges that are found not to be proved. I am concerned also that so many first-time offenders are convicted of that offence. I have no reason to doubt that police forces are well aware of this phenomenon.