Shoplifters face spot fines

Geraldton police now have the authority to issue on-the-spot $500 fines to shoplifters.

The move is part of a Statewide effort to minimise paperwork and ease the strain on overworked local courts.

In the past, offenders found guilty of shoplifting were taken to police stations for processing, which diverted officers from spending time on the street.

It is also anticipated police powers will be a stronger deterrent to potential shoplifters, and those who engage in antisocial behaviour, from an immediate consequence to their actions.

Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Rob Jefferies said he was optimistic about the potential impact new police powers might have.

“There’s a feeling among some of the retailers that stealing from shops is not considered with the same level of seriousness as theft from people’s homes or properties, ” he said.

“It certainly impacts their viability and ability to employ people, (so) we’d welcome it as another tool that’s available to the police to deter theft from shops.”

Under the legislation, introduced in March but only recently rolled out regionally, those who agree to pay the fine will not incur a criminal record unless they attempt to challenge it in the courts and lose.

But, of the 670 Criminal Code Infringement Notices that have been issued in Perth for stealing and disorderly conduct, only three have been challenged and taken to court.

Geraldton police Sergeant Julie Leighton said while local officers had only issued one fine, they were positive about its potential impact on the community.

“It’s a way to divert people from the court system which saves police officers more administration time so we can get police on the frontline,” she said.

Sgt Leighton said people who were caught shoplifting should take the second chance they have been afforded.

“If you do get this opportunity to receive an infringement rather than go through the court system, then take the opportunity and pay the fine.”

Kyme Rigter, general manager of the Rigters Group, said he was hopeful the new powers would help combat what has been a growing problem in Geraldton.

“It gets pretty tedious and hard for us, ” he said.

“Their attitude has become worse, they just don’t care if they are caught. “Half the time you get them, kick them out (and) the next day (they’re) back in again.”

Mr Rigter added while he would like to prosecute every person who steals from their stores, they understand police in Geraldton have a wide variety of callouts and priorities.

However, he hopes the faster and more immediate response to the problem will have an effect.

“We’re backing it, we think it’s a good thing. Any extra deterrent is good because (now) there are direct consequences for their actions straight away,” he said.

It is estimated that since the introduction of the CCINs, police have saved about 4700 hours in processing offenders.