Lewes MP Norman Baker has today condemned large retailers, such as Boots, Tesco, TX Maxx and Asda for employing firms to seek huge sums of compensation from individuals, including many minors, for shoplifting, and taking the decision for penalties out of the hands of the courts.
Norman's condemnation comes after being contacted by the Citizens Advice Bureau and provided with their Report: "Unreasonable Demands?: Threatened civil recovery against those accused of shoplifting or employee theft". The Report highlights the practice of civil recovery, a law in place to deal with major shoplifting rings, which is being exploited by the firms to impose large costs on individuals, over and above the penalty imposed by the courts or the police.
Examples of cases the CAB has witnessed:
Commenting, Norman said: "Shoplifting is a serious crime and those who undertake it should be willing to face the consequences of their actions, but the key point is that the consequence is a matter for the courts and the police, not for the retailers. This is essentially bullying tactics by these large retailers and the firms acting on their behalf are seeking costs that are, quite frankly, draconian and out of order.
The CAB has recommended that the Ministry of Justice undertake an immediate review of the law relating to civil recovery, with an eye on ensuring that recovery is limited to cases involving serious, determined or persistent criminal activity.
Norman added: "The CAB has called for a review of the law surrounding civil recovery, and I support that call."
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Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
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