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

Dogs and the Law.

Dogs and the Law.
Does your dog need a license, should it be chipped are you buying it from a reputable breeder and is it covered under the Dangerous Dogs Act?..

Bail

What is Bail in the UK - If you have been charged with a crime you can be released on bail from the police station, which means you will be able to go home but..

Plea services launched online.

Plea services launched on-line for motoring offences -
The Government has launched a new service that allows motorists charged with summary offences to enter a..

What is a Section 60 notice?

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

link

Reporting a Crime.

If the crime is ongoing call 999, you should not put yours or anyone else’s safety at risk by taking action yourself...

The law on Cannabis.

Anyone found in possession of cannabis could be liable to a fine or a prison sentence, cannabis is classed as a B category drug in the UK and is illegal...

Totting up points on your driving Licence

Totting up points on your driving Licence.
When a driver accumulates twelve points or more in a three-year period on their driving license they are normally s..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

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

link

Wilful Neglect.

Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..

Children and the Law Leaving a child at home.

There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if..

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..

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