One of Launceston’s most prominent anti-shoplifting campaigners has welcomed the state government’s re-election promise of strengthening shoplifting laws, but says magistrates need to enact heavier penalties to deter shoplifters.
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Justice Minister Elise Archer announced on Tuesday that a re-elected Liberal government would legislate for retailers to inspect bags and prams, and ban certain people from entering shops.
Autobarn Launceston franchisee Rod Patterson said retailers had been frustrated by the “slap on the wrist” approach to shoplifting that was costing Launceston businesses millions.
“We feel that [Police Minister] Hidding has been behind us for some time and he actually understands the issues we have,” Mr Patterson said.
“These initiatives are very welcome but they are wasted unless the judiciary supports them.
“Until our magistrates support what the government is attempting to do to support small business it is wasted energy.”
As a small business owner Mr Patterson said he felt the pressure to ensure his 18 employees were fully supported and paid, but shoplifting was costing his business thousands each year with no room in the budget to cover the short-fall.
Presently any shop owner concerned about shoplifting is required to employ security guards if they want to search a customer’s bag on the premises.
Ms Archer said the proposed legislation would make it a condition of entry to all shops, regardless of size, that bags can be searched.
“We have heard retailers’ frustration about being virtually powerless to act,” she said.
Ease of access to restraint orders for retailers to ban problem customers, and no-interest loans for retailers to install CCTV are other measures the state government proposes.
Opposition deputy leader Michelle O’Byrne said the rights of business owners and shoppers must both be honoured and a Labor government would focus on the social causes of shoplifting.
