Persistent shoplifters who are found stealing from the shelves of York stores could find themselves prosecuted twice over.

They could find themselves not only liable for prosecution through the criminal courts but could be pursued through the civil courts as well.

York crime prevention officer PC John Bolton, said the police and shop retailers were awaiting the outcome of a test case in Wolverhampton, but hoped to be able to bring in the new sanction by the end of the year.

"This is the first trial of its kind although some major retailers are already carrying out their own civil prosecutions," said PC Bolton.

"Basically it works through a series of steps, which can end up with bailiffs being sent in if the shoplifter ignores previous demands for payment.

"In the first instance a letter will be sent to the convicted shoplifter asking for a payment towards the store's security and staff costs.

"If they do not reply, a solicitor's letter will be sent asking for the original sum - which could be around £150 although it will be vary from store to store - plus the solicitor's own fee.

"If that is ignored they will receive a county court summons and will be asked for the first two sums and to pay court costs on top - if they continue with-hold payment, then the bailiffs will recover goods from their property to that value."

PC Bolton stressed each case will be judged on its own merits and the new measures are aimed at lifestyle shoplifters, who support themselves by stealing rather than first-time offenders.

Kay Hobbs, chairwoman of Retailers Against Crime in York (RACY), said she would welcome any additional measures to help shops recover their costs.

She hopes York retailers will band together and sign up for civil action, which she believes will help keep shoplifters out of the city.

"We already have our own security radio system and CCTV," she said.

"But this would be another string to our bow and send a clear message to shoplifters that they are not welcome in the city. We can clearly see the benefit of recouping the huge amounts of money we pay out to prevent theft as well as being compensated for the goods we lose."

The second Retail Crime Conference will take place on Wednesday, May 12, at York's Guildhall from 10am to 4pm. For an invitation contact PC John Bolton on (01904) 669420 and leave your details, including a telephone number, on his answerphone

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