Shoplifting

Request Number: FOI/14959

Category: Crime/Incident Statistics Arrests/Detainees/Outcomes

Subject: Shoplifting

Request and Answer: 
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.

Request 1
For the year ending March 2024 -

How many incidents of shoplifting were reported to the police?

Request 2
Of these shoplifting incidents, how many were closed by the police due to -

- no suspect having been identified

- evidential difficulties outcome

- any other reasons

Request 3
Of these shoplifting incidents, how many resulted in Out-of-Court disposals -

- a caution

- a conditional caution

- a Fixed Penalty Notice/on-the-spot fine

- any other disposal

Request 4
Of these shoplifting incidents, how many were -

- referred to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service

Clarification Sought
In request 4, you asked:

"Of these shoplifting incidents, how many were referred to the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service?"

Did you mean the Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland?

Clarification Received
Yes

Answer
Please see below table, based on all recorded Shoplifting offences in Northern Ireland, broken down by the currently assigned outcome, for the period 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024.  The currently assigned outcome may change as investigations are completed or new information becomes available.

Please note that Request 4 asks for referrals to the Public Prosecution Service.  We do not hold information on case files that have been provided to PPS, so as an alternative we have provided the number of shoplifting offences with a currently assigned outcome of ‘Charge/Summons’.
 

¹ Out-of-court (formal) includes adult and juvenile cautions and penalty notices for disorder.
² Out-of-court (informal) are Community Resolution Notices