Crime

Know its Provisions – Utah Anti-Shoplift Law

Click to see original imageFigures from a survey distributed in connection with an upcoming series of anti-shoplifting assemblies estimate losses from shoplifting in Utah supermarkets at a minimum of $8,195 daily – and that in a year’s time $2,983,000 worth of goods will be stolen.

For the entire United States, the FBI estimates businessmen lose $5 billion a year from shoplifting.

In many businesses, shrinkage losses are more than net profits, says the survey. In the final analysis, of course, it’s the public which must pay the bill.

That’s why the Legislature adopted its new Utah anti-shoplifting law. It is important that people understand the law. A series of anti-shoplifting assemblies being arranged in northern Utah County will help achieve that goal.

A major thrust will be to help parents understand their legal responsibility if their child is caught stealing. This is prompted by statistics which-show that 55 per cent of all shoplifters are under 18 years of age and 9 per cent are under 12.

The public assemblies in Alpine School District are scheduled follows: Orem High School, Sept. 10 at 7:00 p.m.; American Fork High School, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Pleasant Grove High School, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Lehi High School, Sept. 11, 7:30 p.m.

The assemblies are being held through joint cooperation of the North Utah County Youth Bureau, the local schools, PTAs, and local police departments.

The attorney general has given his stamp of approval on the assembly outline and plans call for holding similar meetings in each school district in the state.

The over-all anti-;shoplifting campaign involves a three-way attack, including: (1) Statewide information plan utilizing all forms of media; (2) In-store education programs, including seminars for merchants; (3) Education programs for students in Utah, with assemblies planned for every grade school, junior high school, and high school.

Certainly shoplifting is a costly and disgusting practice that needs to be curbed. The new law, with much tougher provisions than before, provides a springboard for the various programs being planned in the war against the crime.

People should take steps to understand the law and its implications. The Herald urges you in attend assemblies as a step in getting informed.