Skip to Content

Have Property Offences become decriminalised?

A recent report has concluded that because the police are not treating crimes such as shoplifting and theft as a priority the offences have almost become decriminalised.

Whilst it is acknowledged that crime has fallen by a fifth in recent years a substantial amount of petty theft is going unreported, and the problem is not being addressed.

Victims of theft will normally report the incident to the police just to obtain a crime number for an insurance claim, the statistics show that a third of all burglaries and 90% of shoplifting cases go unreported.

Much of the reason why shoplifting goes unreported is because the shopkeepers feel the police are unable to undertake a successful prosecution.

Much of this comes down to resources, we have recently seen the introduction of new IT enabling motoring offenders to enter a plea on-line, it must not be so difficult to extend the use of IT for the police and victims of crime to cut down on paperwork, time and inconvenience, and so free up more time to focus on the organised gangs, repeat offenders that are behind much of this crime.

With the majority of crime in deprived areas, investment in social measures to reduce crime is essential.

For police to turn a blind eye to any crime cannot be acceptable under any circumstance.

Unfortunately with a 20% budget cut for the police on the horizon they will face a very difficult balancing act.

Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Clare`s Law - Domestic Violence.

The domestic violence disclosure scheme named after domestic violence victim Clare Wood has been brought in throughout England and Wales. If you feel you could..

Points on your Driving License

Points on your Driving License - What happens when you receive points on your Driving Licence, How long do they stay, how many points until you are banned from..

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

Domestic Violence Guide

Domestic violence is not just physical violence, it can take many forms, which a person may use to control a partner, if you are suffering domestic violence cal..

Children and the law - Committing a crime

Children and the law - Committing a crime.
A child under 10 will not be charged with a criminal offence but they can face consequences for their actions.
The..

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

Neighbour Disputes | Trees and Hedges.

Neighbour Disputes can escalate to affect your life and enjoyment of your property, if handled in the wrong way they can cause tension and in some cases argumen..

Stalking and Harassment.

Recent report uncovers failings by the police and prosecution service...

New Guidelines for online hate crimes.

New guidelines have been issued to crack down on online hate...

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top