Custodial sentences will continue to be a possible punishment for serial shoplifters, according to new guidelines published by the Sentencing Advisory Panel (SAP).
It had been had feared that imprisonment would be scrapped as a sanction for shop theft under the panel's review, which also increased the sentencing starting point for breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for adults.
The Association of Convenience Stores said it welcomed SAP's decision to retain the option of custody for shop theft. Chief executive James Lowman said: "It is important that magistrates have a range of sanctions to punish and deter repeat offenders.
"We are also glad that SAP followed our recommendation regarding sentencing for breach of ASBOs."
It had been had feared that imprisonment would be scrapped as a sanction for shop theft under the panel's review, which also increased the sentencing starting point for breaching an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for adults.
The Association of Convenience Stores said it welcomed SAP's decision to retain the option of custody for shop theft. Chief executive James Lowman said: "It is important that magistrates have a range of sanctions to punish and deter repeat offenders.
"We are also glad that SAP followed our recommendation regarding sentencing for breach of ASBOs."
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