... All ages, occupations

Press, 16 November 1977, Page 21

... All ages, occupations

Shoplifters come from all age groups and all occupations. Among 33 people who faced charges in the Magistrates Court recently, there were nine housewives, four unemployed, four shop assistants or clerks, and two retired people. There was also a manager, a farmer, a steward, and a toy manufacturer. Between them, the 33 accused allegedly stole goods worth nearly $5OO. Women’s clothing was the most sought after- item, but many other goods, including cigarettes, razor blades, and batteries were also the subject of charges. The age groups varied enormously, from a receptionist, aged 18 accused of stealing panties, to a 68-year-old housewife, who placed pork chops into her bag without paying for them. Fourteen of the accused were aged between 21 and 40, while the number in the 51 to 60 age group in the random survey dropped to five. Only two defendants were aged more than 60. Twenty of those charged were women, but females are not necessarily more dishonest. A much higher ratio of women to men go shopping. In another survey, goods worth $lBOO were taken by 195 people

apprehended for shoplifting in the High Street and Colombo Street branches of Woolworths in the last four months. Cigarettes and women’s clothing were again the most popular target for all ages, while cosmetics caught the eye of 13 to 16 yea r-old girls in particular. Young boys tended to go for toys, while men’s clothing was taken by men and women in the over 21' age group. Stationery appealed to all ages. Almost half of those caught were under 17 years of age. Boys dominated the shoplifting statistics in the under 14 age group — 25 boys were caught compared to 15 girls — while girls monopolised the business in the 14 to 17 age group. They made up 32 of the 51 young people detained. It is up to the police to decide whether or not to prosecute. If charges were laid the minors are dealt with in the Children and Young Person’s Court. “The police do a lot of very good work with youngsters,” says the manager of the High Street branch of Woolworths (Mr J. Humphrey’s). Twenty seven of those apprehended were aged between 18 and 21, and of the 77 people caught over the age of 21, 53 were women. _____