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Show Enforcement of Shoplifting Act Urged in Moab Seminar Strict enforcement of the new Anti-shoplifting Law by merchants was urged by Deputy Attorney General Robert Rob-ert B. Hansen at a luncheon for local merchants at the SunDowner Thursday. Hansen pointed out that under this new law, which was passed May 14, 1975, shoplifters shoplift-ers can be sued for the full retail value of the merchandise stolen plus court costs and attorneys' fees. This would be in addition to any fines or jail sentences that the court requires of them. Merchants now also have a broader base to detain suspected suspec-ted shoplifters without fear of false arrest or law suits. Also merchants no longer have to show probable cause in a shoplifting case but only reason to believe. Included under the law' is parental responsibilities. "In aggrivated cases," Hansen said, "the parents themselves are civilly liable." Mr. Hansen has been representing the Attorney Generals Office along with Utah Regional Merchants Association As-sociation and Utah Council of Wholesalers and Retailers on a campaign entitled "Shoplifting "Shoplift-ing Doesn't Pay. ..You Do." These people present assemblies as-semblies to the schools in the state first with a general film about shoplifting, followed up with a 15 minute talk about the new law, and then they open a question and answer session. Hansen reported that, "Our prime group was thought to be the junior high students but received feedback that fourth grade would be a more effective place to begin." "Starting this year," he continued, "we are also going to get the PTA involved. ' ' Also planned for this year is a "hard look" at employee theft and the extent to which the polygraph examination can be used. |