BETHAL – Shoplifting is on the rise in the area. Police said they have noted the increase of shoplifting incident reported at Bethal Police Station.
Const Thomas Mogadime, police spokesman, said shoplifting is unnoticed theft of goods from an open retail establishment.
He said shoplifting typically involves a person concealing a store item on the person, in pockets or under clothes, in a bag or even in a baby stroller and leaving the store without paying.
“With clothes, shoplifters may put on items from the store and leave the store wearing the clothes. This act is complete when the person goes past the till point and security without having paid for the item.”
He said the legal consequences of shoplifting can include jail or prison time, punitive fines, community service hours, and more.
Offenders are often prohibited from entering the place of business from which they stole goods.
“Shoplifting is not a game and it has a negative impact on the business and could land you with a criminal record,” said Const Mogadime.
“It doesn’t matter if it is a small item that cost less than a rand or an expensive item. There will be serious implications for those caught shoplifting.”
Bethal Magistrate’s Court recently sentenced shoplifter Majonjo Sibiya (47) to 18 months’ imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
His conviction came after he entered Pep Store at Cosmos Centre, stole two pairs of men’s socks and left the store without paying for them. He was caught by one of the employees.
“Businesses lose a lot of money as a result of shoplifting and are forced to put security measures in place to prevent their businesses from suffering loss.”
Const Mogadime also warned the public not to take the chances with the idea, because they will be caught.
