Written question asked by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Wednesday, 11 May 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 13 May 2011. It was answered by James Brokenshire (Conservative) on Wednesday, 18 May 2011 on behalf of the Home Office.

Shoplifting

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Justice on the number of penalty notices for disorder issued for shop theft which remain outstanding; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: I have had no such discussions.The Ministry of Justice attend the National Retail Crime Steering Group, the national partnership to tackle retail crime. One aspect of its work is to ensure the effective use of existing sanctions and deterrents to retail crime. Magistrates courts are responsible for collecting fines arising from unpaid penalty notices for disorder in the same way as any other fine. The overall payment rate for all financial penalties in the financial year to March 2011 was 93%.

Secondary information