Shoplifting (Hansard, 20 March 1984)

§ Mr. Skinner
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the police forces which, operate a discretionary system with regard to prosecuting (a) youngsters, and (b) those aged over 59 years for shoplifting.

§ Mr. Hurd
There is no absolute duty on the police to prosecute offences; guidelines on criteria for prosecution, drawn up by my right hon. and learned Friend the Attorney-General, and promulgated to chief officers of police commend the practice that prosecution should take place only where there is sufficient evidence to justify it and where the public interest requires it. Precise details are not available, but a number of police forces have adopted special cautioning schemes in respect of juveniles; some of these schemes also make provision in respect of the elderly.

§ Mr. Skinner
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will encourage the establishment of community service branches within police forces to deal with shoplifting cases which do not call for prosecution; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Hurd
The Department is reviewing with chief officers of police present police cautioning practices. This review is taking in the question of special cautioning schemes which at present operate in a number of forces in respect generally of juveniles, but extending in some instances to the elderly as well.
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Many forces already have community liaison branches, whose oversight may extend to special cautioning schemes. These branches aim to develop close links between the police, other agencies and all sections of the community. Good liaison arrangements will ensure that a person coming to the attention of the police needing help and support would be directed to an existing social work agency.

§ Mr. Skinner
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will provide information on what steps police forces take to ascertain if a person accused of shoplifting is physically ill or under emotional stress.

§ Mr. Hurd
The steps taken will depend entirely on the circumstances of the individual case; they will generally include an interview with the offender, and, where this was sensible, would include seeking the advice of social work or medical agencies.