AS a security provider in local shopping malls for the past 20 years, I noticed that shoplifting is a never-ending problem.
Retailers have taken the losses from shoplifting as a norm in business. Perhaps, a more effective approach needs to be taken by the authorities, and retailers too.
Different retailers have different approaches, based on their policies, in dealing with shoplifters who are apprehended by staff or security personnel.
Some insist that the shoplifter "settle" the matter by paying for the merchandise. The more unscrupulous demand payment many times above the cost of the merchandise stolen, failing which, they threaten the shoplifter with police action.
Shoplifters will pay to avoid prosecution and for fear of a possible jail term. At times, even at the police station, the investigating officer may advise both parties to settle the case as this reduces the crime index in that area.
Should the authorities make it mandatory for retailers to report apprehended shoplifters to the police? Retailers may feel that since it is their business, they have the right to decide whether to prosecute the shoplifters or let them off upon payment.
It is precisely this latter attitude of retailers that encourages the never-ending saga of shoplifting. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility and making it mandatory to report shoplifters to the police has many advantages.
For one, it discourages shoplifting and tells them that there's no getting off the hook. Secondly, it makes it clear to all parties that it is for the learned judge to decide on each case and not the retailers or police.
Thirdly, it maintains a true crime index. It may even help reduce the employment of illegal workers as employers will not allow them to lodge a police report without a working permit.
I believe that making it mandatory to report on apprehended shoplifters teaches society to respect the law and to be honest.
COMMANDER (RTD) KHOO KAH HOOI (RMN)
Kuala Lumpur