Tougher measures against shoplifters
Paul Goldsmith announced new measures to deter and punish shoplifting. The new regime is:
- Shoplifting up to $500 (say a few items at Pak & Save) – infringement fine of up to $500
- Shoplifting over $500 (say $695 worth of clothing) – infringement fine of up to $1,000
- Theft up to $2,000 (say a $389 cardigan) – up to one year imprisonment
- Theft over $2,000 (say $7800 worth of designer clothing) – up to seven years imprisonment
- Aggravated theft where the theft is carried out in a manner that is offensive, threatening, insulting, or disorderly – up to two years imprisonment
The infringement regime is a very good idea. An instant fine for low level shoplifting should see Police take action far more often.