OCR Text |
Show Shoplifting Curb Effort Underway With New Law "Shoplifting In Utah Is costing more than 15 million a year. With the new law, plus the Information campaign we're starting today, we hope to control or eliminate this costly crime." So said Robert Hansen, Assistant Utah Attorney General, at a meeting of the Utah Council of Retailers and Wholesalers In Salt Lake City. Hansen's speech was given at the klckoff of a massive statewide publicity campaign. Purpose of the campaign Is to make Utahns more aware of the seriousness of shoplifting and to inform them of the provisions of the anti-shoplifting law passed this year by the Utah Legislature. Hansen explained provisions of the new law as follows: Merchants may now question and detain suspected shoplifters without becoming civally or criminally liable for false arrest or slander. Merchants may also request any customer to keep all un-paid-for merchandise in full view, again without incurring liability. Merchants may sue shoplifters in civil court for the full retail value of the merchandise stolen, plus court costs and attorneys' fees, plus exemplary damages. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children who are caught shoplifting, and may be sued In the same way shoplifters are. Parents have a responsibility to make a "reasonable effort" to restrain their children and to report any shoplifting to the store or to the police as soon as they learn of it. Criminal penalties remain unchanged. Said Hansen: "Shoplifting is stealing, which can result in a Jail sentence plus a criminal fine. And this Is in addition to the lawsuit the merchant may now bring against the shoplifter." According to Hansen, a concerted effort Is being made throughout the state to acquaint Utahns with the provisions of the law. A public service campaign is being launched in all communications media, to include radio, television and newspaper advertising and publicity, as well as use of outdoor billboards bus signs and store posters. In addition, high schools, junior high schools and civic organizations throughout the state are being Invited to hold assemblies and meetings on the subject. A movie, "Shoplifting, It's a Steal," will be made available to interest schools, along with the public speakers either from the community or from the State Attorney General's office. A brochure is being printed for general distribution, explaining the provisions of the new anti-shoplifting law Later in the year a school poster contest will be Initiated. Robert Hansen (left), Assistant Utah Attorney General, and Mark Darney, president of the Utah Council of Retailers A Wholesalers, explain the new anti-shoplifting publicity campaign to a meeting of the Council. The campaign, which Mill run throughout the year, stresses the seriousness of shoplifting and explains the provisions of the new law. |