Theft sentencing guidelines issued

The Sentencing Council has unveiled new guidelines for theft that cover a wide range of offences including pickpocketing, shop theft, handling stolen goods, leaving a restaurant or petrol station without paying and stealing by employees or care workers.

The new guidelines consider the broader impact of the theft on the victim, including factors such as emotional distress, fear and loss of confidence caused by the crime, which are not covered in the existing guidelines.

They also address gaps in the current guidance on common theft offences such as the theft of a car or bicycle.

In 2012, less than one in ten offences sentenced in the courts were for theft.

The proposed guidelines, which must be followed unless a judge or magistrate feels it is not in the interests of justice to do so, will also introduce a clearer focus on the impact of thefts on victims, and an understanding that the value of stolen items to victims is not just financial.

Consultation on the guidelines will close on June 26 and responses can be left at www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk