SHOP-LIFTING

Shannon News, 26 April 1929, Page 2

SHOP-LIFTING

COMMENT BY NEW ZEALAND ZEALAND DRAPER. In the latest issue of the New Zealand Draper, the following reference to shop-lifting prosecution appears: — "It has been said by Magistrates that the display of articles is a temptation to people, and possibly for that reason more leniensy has been shown, but this should not be taken into account, because display is essential to trade. It is one of the supreme factors in selling goods, and a well-dis-played article shouLd not be regarded as leading to temptation. In any case if Magistrates had actual experience of trade they would soon learn that gettsinc shop-lifters (what one might eafl the professionals) are not concerned with display. They are out to get" what they can, and the more unobtrusively the better. Nothing but a detective can stop this form of thieving, unless the punishment is fitting the crime. There is a point where leniency is inviting others to go and do likewise, but where Magistrates have made it known that in aggravated cases of shop-lifting a prison term would be given, it has stopped the practice. The drapery trade is deeply concerned with this method of systematic theft, not only from the point of view of personal loss and mental worry, but from the fact that the practice is now being regarded too lightly and people will grow up to believe that it is not really a crime, but taking something of which, there is a super-abundance. Consequently public opinion must be educated otherwise, and it will only be by punishment sufficient to act as a deterrent," ,