Yes there is technically a law surrounding keeping the money you find in public, known as ‘theft by finding’. This means that if you find a wad of cash on the street and don’t attempt to return it to its owner – by handing it into the shop, for example, or the police – you’re guilty of theft.
Can you attempt to handle stolen goods?
⇒ It is not necessary for the prosecution to prove who stole the goods, as long as it is clear the goods have been stolen by someone. ⇒ If the defendant believes the goods to be stolen, but in fact they are not, then the defendant may be guilty of an attempted handling offence.
Is shoplifting a recordable offence?
Ultimately, a person caught shoplifting may be arrested and put on trial. A shoplifting conviction will result in a criminal record and a sentence. A police caution may be given as an alternative to prosecution. If accepted, this caution still comes with a criminal record.
Is shoplifting a summary offence?
The significance is clear, low-value shoplifting is a summary only offence until and unless the defendant elects for trial on indictment. The technicalities of whether the offence is a summary only, or indictable can have significant ramifications for a defendant.
Is theft by finding a crime? – Related Questions
How much do you have to steal to go to jail UK?
If you are convicted in court of shoplifting, you can be fined and/ or jailed for up to six months if the goods are worth less than £200; or for a maximum of seven years if they are worth more than £200. A shoplifting conviction means you will have a criminal record.
What should you not do when shoplifting?
Here are a few things you should avoid doing when accused of shoplifting:
- Don’t attempt to pay for the item after the fact.
- Don’t provide any personal information to store employees.
- Don’t make any statements to store employees, managers, or security guards.
- Don’t sign any documents at the store.
