Skip to main content

Shoplifting

Volume 482: debated on Tuesday 4 November 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what plans he has to introduce restorative justice in relation to shoplifting offences. (231640)

Restorative justice can be used in relation to shoplifting offences. It is for local criminal justice boards and local criminal justice agencies to consider how best to use their funding to meet their targets and local needs. Restorative justice, for a variety of offences, is an established part of the work of youth offending teams and a number of areas have established schemes to deliver adult restorative justice. Where a scheme is available, its use in relation to a given case should depend on whether the victim chooses to participate and, where appropriate, the sentence of the court.