According to W/O David Mphali, police spokesman, five cases of shoplifting have been reported over the past week and it is mainly young people committing the crime.
He says the youngsters take petty items including baking powder and small chocolates that don’t even cost R10.
Although the suspects admit guilt of theft and pay an admission of guilt fine, it is still of concern to the police.
Mphali says a petty crime can lead to bigger crimes.
“The police still open a case of theft against the offender and it is placed on record, which gives them a criminal record,” he says.
He feels parents should intervene by discussing the consequences with their children.
“To have a criminal record at such a young age can influence the rest of their lives,” says Mphali.
