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Shoplifters to face instant fines - VIC GOVT HEARS ARA’s VOICE

Peak retail industry body the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) welcomed the Infringement Notice Trial beginning tomorrow for shop thefts under $600 but expected authorities to continue to work towards reducing the impact of shoplifting for retailers.

ARA Executive Director Richard Evans said the Victorian Department of Justice listened to retailers' concerns about fines for shop thefts and the Infringement Notice Trial adopted a number of suggestions made by the retail sector last year.

"The ARA's initial concerns about employees, repeat offenders or those part of organised shoplifting syndicates receiving infringement notices (rather than facing court) have all been addressed in the Infringement Notice Trial.

"As well as these types of shoplifters, those under 18 years of age will not receive infringements.

"This is a good result for the retailer sector but it doesn't take away from the fact that shoplifting imposes a significant cost on retailers, and indirectly on consumers.

"Infringement notices not only provide a prompt and direct response to shop theft under $600, they significantly reduce the cost and paperwork associated with prosecution. The ARA would therefore expect that authorities continue working to reduce shop theft and improve deterrence with firmer enforcement measures," Evans said.

From July 1 2008 police will be able to issue infringement notices for seven common offences, including shop theft of less than $600. The infringement fine for this offence will be two penalty units ($227). Guidelines for the use of infringement notices for this offence provide that police will consider factors such as the person's criminal record, whether the matter appears to be part of a wider criminal operation and whether restitution is an issue before deciding whether to issue an infringement. 

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) is the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA supports and represents over 5000 members throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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