No punishment for thief taking beer 'fuels problem' of shoplifting, says manager

A shopkeeper who dragged a taunting thief back to his store said the man’s punishment sent out the wrong signal to other potential criminals.

- ALEX ROSS

The shoplifter casually opened a can of Foster’s lager as he walked out of Core Convenience in Durham without paying for a £10 crate of the lager.

However, he was stopped by store owner Andrew Board, who grabbed him and brought him back to the entrance. Despite Mr Board’s brave actions, officers at Durham Constabulary did not take the matter to court after locating the suspect, who admitted the offence.

Instead, he was dealt with through a community resolution, often used for minor offences or incidents of antisocial behaviour, which does not result in a criminal conviction. Under the resolution, the offender paid back the money for the beer and was then banned from entering the shop.