Increase in penalty for shoplifting
Previously, any person who stole an item valued at less than $1000.00 could only receive a fine as the penalty, not anymore.
The laws have changed such that repeat offenders charged with multiple low level stealing offences or attempted stealing, when they have two or more prior convictions for similar crimes in the past year, can now be sentenced to imprisonment.
The changes come as the Government attempts to protect small business owners.
Further Reading
To learn more about these penatly increases take a look at this article from theshout.com.au here and the WA government media statement here.
