HC Deb 22 July 1982 vol 28 cc525-6
12. Mr. Greville Janner

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many men and how many women have been acquitted of shoplifting charges during the past 12 months for which records are available.

Mr. Mayhew

In 1980, the latest year for which figures are available, about 2,700 males and 3,000 females were acquitted of shoplifting charges in England and Wales.

Mr. Janner

Does the Minister accept that many of those 5,000 people who were acquitted underwent the most awful trials before they reached court? Does he accept that the law on shoplifting is archaic in its enforcement? Does he further agree that the decision to prosecute should be left to the police so that they can decide, as do the Essex police, not to prosecute where it is in the interest of the public that the elderly and the ill should be dealt with medically and in other ways?

Mr. Mayhew

There is a lot to be said for the sensible use of cautioning, which is widely used. But it must be a matter for local discretion. As the hon. and learned Gentleman knows, the Royal Commission recommended that private prosecution should be discontinued for shoplifting. The Government have the recommendation under consideration and we shall announce our conclusions in due course.

Mr. Adley

Does my hon. and learned Friend recall that it is now 10 years since, in an Adjournment debate, I raised this matter with my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for Runcorn (Mr. Carlisle), who was then the Minister of State, Home Office, and who clearly accepted the direct link between self-service shopping and the increase in shoplifting? Does he agree that in the meantime his Department has done nothing to deal with the matter? What movement does he foresee in the next 10 years?

Mr. Mayhew

The review has been the subject of reconsideration and revision and that process is very nearly finished. One cannot be wholly surprised that more shoplifting, proportionately, takes place in self-service stores. But stealing from a shop is still stealing. A person does not commit the offence of stealing unless dishonest intent is proved.