HC Deb 17 June 1976 vol 913 cc242-3W
Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what changes have occurred in the incidence of shoplifting crimes in the last 10 years.

Mr. John

The available information is as follows:

OFFENCES OF SHOPLIFTING RECORDED AS KNOWN TO THE POLICE
ENGLAND AND WALES 1966–1975
Year Number
1966 68,288
1967 70,971
1968 78,490
1969 91,169
1970 101,822
1971 119,281
1972 126,844
1973 130,161
1974 164,063
1975 175,552

The figures for 1966–68 cover offences then classified as "larceny from shops and stalls" and do not include offences attributable to children below the age of criminal responsibility. Offences so attributed are included in the figures for 1969 and subsequent years, during which the Theft Act 1968 has been in operation.

Mr. Ronald Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of shoplifting crimes are committed, respectively, by men and women; what proportion of each group is imprisoned; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John

The information requested is available only in respect of those offences which result in a finding of guilt or a caution. In 1975, of those found guilty of, or cautioned for, offences of shoplifting, 52.6 per cent. were males and 47.4 per cent. were females. Of those found guilty, 3 per cent. of males and 0.5 per cent. of females were given custodial sentences.

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