21 September 2018

Retail NZ says it welcomes an announcement by NZ First MP Darroch Ball that he has proposed a Member's Bill that will allow Police to issue instant fines to shoplifters.

"Petty theft from retail stores is a major issue right across the New Zealand retail sector, and Retail NZ has long advocated an instant fine approach such as that being proposed by NZ First MP Darroch Ball," Retail NZ's General Manager for Public Affairs, Greg Harford, said today.

"Allowing Police to issue an infringement notice like a speeding ticket for petty shoplifting offences will offer a proportionate and sensible way of dealing with the tsunami of crime that is engulfing the retail sector. It will ensure that there are real consequences for petty thieves and help break the cycle of crime before shoplifters graduate into perpetrating more serious crimes.

"Under the present law, it is difficult and cumbersome for Police to prosecute people for shoplifting, because it requires a Court appearance, which is often out of proportion to the offence itself. Police resourcing is stretched, and around two-thirds of retail crime is not reported, because retailers know that the issues can't be dealt with effectively.

"Darroch Ball's proposed bill will cut out unnecessary bureaucracy, and ensure that the Police is effectively armed with the tools to combat retail crime. Retail NZ is thrilled by Mr Ball's initiative, and hopes that the Bill will be drawn from the Member's Bill ballot, and enacted quickly by Parliament."

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