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Fines for shoplifting – new law
Date created: 08 July 2008
Applies from 1 July 2008
Under a trial scheme police may choose to issue a fine to people over 18 if they believe that person has committed the offence of shoplifting.
The trial scheme means that people may not be charged and summoned to court over a minor shoplifting offence. Police may choose to issue a fine, an official warning or summary charges.
A fine can be issued if the:
- value of the stolen goods is less than $600
- offender is a first-time offender committing a ‘one-off’ offence
- offender has made restitution, if it is required by the shop-owner
- offence did not occur at the offender’s workplace.
Penalties
The fine for these offences is two penalty units. (See ‘Penalty & fee units’, link below, for the current value of a penalty unit.)
Payment of the fine will not be seen as admission of guilt and no conviction will be recorded.
Options for dealing with the fine
The person fined may:
- ask for an internal review of their fine
- challenge the penalty in court instead of paying the fine
- pay the fine.
Fines for other offences
Fines may also be issued under the trial scheme for careless driving, offensive behaviour and various alcohol related offences.
More information
Related publications
Your rights: police powers in Victoria
Related pages
Related legislation
Infringements and Other Acts Amendments Act 2008 (Vic)
Related websites
To find out more about each of the offences go to Frequently Asked Questions about the new infringements scheme at the Department of Justice website.