THIEVES caught shoplifting at Trago Mills face a new penalty – having to contribute to the cost of the store's security.
A recent court case, which found in favour of Trago, has demonstrated how a civil procedure can recover the cost of dealing with shoplifters - from the shoplifters themselves.
At a hearing at Bodmin county court District Judge Thomas found in favour of Charles Robertson Developments Ltd (Trago Mills), and as a result the accused, who had earlier been convicted of the theft of goods from Trago, was ordered to pay damages, court fees interest and costs.
Stephens and Scown, solicitors, said with this decision, not only are Trago Mills able to recover 'at least part of the cost of security for the operation, but it sends out a very loud warning message to all those who might be thinking of trying to take goods from the store without paying for them.'
Mark Stubbs, partner and head of the Stephens and Scown's litigation department, said of Civil Recovery: 'It has been very interesting to apply long established legal principles to a very common problem, and to help our client find a way of making those who cause retailers to invest heavily in security to at least contribute to the cost of the operation.'
He said he would encourage other retailers to take this course of action, as a cost-effective remedy.
Trago chairman, Bruce Robertson, said: 'I started exploring this idea almost ten years ago, which incidentally is routinely practised in the USA.'