HC Deb 28 November 1983 vol 49 c347W
Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people over the age of 70 years were prosecuted for shoplifting, and how many were convicted, in the latest year for which figures are available.

Mr. Mellor

In 1982, about 630 persons aged 70 or over were proceeded against in magistrates' courts in England and Wales for shoplifting; also in 1982, about 500 persons were found guilty of shoplifting at magistrates' courts or the Crown court. In the same year about 2,360 persons aged 70 or over were cautioned by the police for shoplifting.