A SETTLE businessman has criticised the criminal justice system for what he sees as the lenient treatment of persistent shoplifters.

Ken Meredith, of Car and Kitchen, is fed up of people stealing from his shop only to see them never reach court or result in what he believes is little more than a mild slap on the wrist.

"In 20 years we have never had what I call a successful prosecution," he said.

"One person was given a conditional discharge by Skipton magistrates just weeks after being fined by Burnley magistrates for shoplifting in East Lancashire.

"It's no deterrent. These people know they can get away with it every time."

He has written to Home Secretary Jack Straw demanding an explanation regarding the treatment of persistent shoplifters, and has contacted MP David Curry.

He added: "I need more back-up from the court system and in view of the relative lack of defence we have against the committed thief, deserve such.

"Camera security systems only deter a minority of mainly impulsive youngsters, and in any event what truly is the point in catching thieves, even on camera, when the back-up from the courts is effectively non-existent, mostly consisting of a 'slap on the wrist' and 'don't do it again' approach."

Mr Meredith continued: "It is not an easy thing to follow somebody out of the shop and stop them.

"We do not know how they will react, and then we have to wait half an hour for the police to arrive.

"We go through all this, and then find out these people have only been given a caution.

"They are straight back out there doing it again. Shoplifting may only be seen as a 'minor' crime, but it is leading to bigger things, most of these people are stealing to sell the goods on to pay for drugs."

Mr Meredith is also frustrated at procedures for identity parades.

"They have all the rights. They can completely alter their appearance - dye their hair, wear glasses, grow a beard - and it seems they are allowed to do that.

"Suspects can choose to have everybody sitting down which immediately takes away one method of identification - height," he explained.

Mr Meredith would like to see shoplifters made to do substantial amounts of community service as he feels fines, cautions and conditional discharges barely affect the "professional thieves".

In an average year, between five and 10 people are caught stealing from Car and Kitchen.

Of these, two or three are reported to the police.

Some are youngsters acting impulsively and Mr Meredith feels nothing more is needed than a word with their parents.

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