Cited from The Background Investigator
The Background Investigator March 2009 Issue

On-The-Spot Fines Ignored In New South Wales

On-the-spot fines for crimes such as shoplifting and offensive behaviour have proved a farce as figures show thousands of petty crooks ignore paying up.

A Daily Telegraph investigation into the first year of the Criminal Infringement Notices system shows just 2949 of the 8855 fines were paid within the required 21-day period.

More than 4200 fines issued during the first year are still unpaid, even after enforcement letters warning of driving licence and car registration cancellation.

On November 1, 2007, despite a public outcry, on-the-spot fines replaced court appearances - and a resulting criminal record - for a range of offences.

Then-premier Morris Iemma, who claimed the infringement notices would free up valuable police time, stridently denied he was "soft on crime".

The decriminalised offences were shoplifting under $300; larceny under $300; goods in custody; offensive behaviour; offensive language; unlawful entry to a boat or vehicle; obstructing traffic; and obtaining a benefit by deception.

Despite the large number of ignored fines, police yesterday argued the scheme had achieved its objectives during its first year.

Superintendent Robert Redfern, who has overseen the implementation program, said a full police evaluation was still under way but "from my perspective, it has been a pretty successful program".

Supt Redfern said offenders were being brought to justice and police and victims had been freed from attending court hearings.

There was no evidence that on-the-spot fines were less of a deterrent to offenders than court appearances, he said.

"I think what we can say is that there is absolutely no evidence that there has been any increase in shoplifting," he said.

Retailers at the frontline remain unconvinced, however.

Peter Lionis, who operates several Franklins supermarkets, said shoplifters were simply not scared of on-the-spot fines.

A Sydney Chamber of Commerce spokesman said feelings among retail members about the on-the-spot fines were "mixed".

Documents released under Freedom of Information show 117 individuals have received more than one infringement notice, despite the fines not being intended for repeat offenders.