4 ms·

>In some states, companies have been able to collect more than the value of the allegedly stolen items, up to $1,000 in some instances. Seems to set up a perve

>In some states, companies have been able to collect more than the value of the allegedly stolen items, up to $1,000 in some instances. Seems to set up a perverse set of incentives - might be more profitable to pursue people who steal low ticket items than it is to actually sell them...

yardstick 8y ago
Not that I completely agree with the extent of the punishment, but if you only ever charge the person the amount you would have made from the sale, and don’t provide any other punishment (eg fine on top, conviction, community service etc) then there is little to no incentive for anyone to pay for them.
- nyolfen 8y ago
  avoiding criminal charges is a pretty big incentive for most people
- Broken_Hippo 8y ago
  it would make a lot more sense to have a set charge on top of the amount: $40-50 charge for a $20 item. Otherwise, it is just making sure that those stealing even though they have the means to pay can avoid criminal charges and further hassle, but someone stealing a few groceries due to lack of money cannot. Like the other poster said, wanting to avoid criminal charges is enough deterrent for most folks. A shoplifting charge can really mess up your life for many years, and that is without actually going to jail.
- greggarious 8y ago
  >Not that I completely agree with the extent of the punishment, but if you only ever charge the person the amount you would have made from the sale, and don’t provide any other punishment (eg fine on top, conviction, community service etc) then there is little to no incentive for anyone to pay for them. I totally see where you're coming from, but IMHO fines are paid to governments. Restitution is paid to corporations. Subtle but important difference. It's extremely common in small claims for defendants to be "made whole" (paid for actual, measurable losses). But you're basically asking for emotional damages for theft... if someone stole my laptop all I could sue for is the replacement cost of the laptop and any associated costs (ex: broken car window). If you want to fine shoplifters, great. Maybe use that money towards various social programs - a lot of shoplifters are IV drug users for example. But don't just hand the fine money to a corporation that will continue to underpay it's employees to the point their salaries are subsidized by taxpayer money (food stamps).

yardstick 8y ago

Not that I completely agree with the extent of the punishment, but if you only ever charge the person the amount you would have made from the sale, and don’t provide any other punishment (eg fine on top, conviction, community service etc) then there is little to no incentive for anyone to pay for them.

nyolfen 8y ago
avoiding criminal charges is a pretty big incentive for most people
Broken_Hippo 8y ago
it would make a lot more sense to have a set charge on top of the amount: $40-50 charge for a $20 item. Otherwise, it is just making sure that those stealing even though they have the means to pay can avoid criminal charges and further hassle, but someone stealing a few groceries due to lack of money cannot. Like the other poster said, wanting to avoid criminal charges is enough deterrent for most folks. A shoplifting charge can really mess up your life for many years, and that is without actually going to jail.
greggarious 8y ago
>Not that I completely agree with the extent of the punishment, but if you only ever charge the person the amount you would have made from the sale, and don’t provide any other punishment (eg fine on top, conviction, community service etc) then there is little to no incentive for anyone to pay for them. I totally see where you're coming from, but IMHO fines are paid to governments. Restitution is paid to corporations. Subtle but important difference. It's extremely common in small claims for defendants to be "made whole" (paid for actual, measurable losses). But you're basically asking for emotional damages for theft... if someone stole my laptop all I could sue for is the replacement cost of the laptop and any associated costs (ex: broken car window). If you want to fine shoplifters, great. Maybe use that money towards various social programs - a lot of shoplifters are IV drug users for example. But don't just hand the fine money to a corporation that will continue to underpay it's employees to the point their salaries are subsidized by taxpayer money (food stamps).