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Something we have been interested in for a long time has FINALLY got the attention of the main advice and campaign bodies - lets hope that this leads to some major changes in this industry that feeds off peoples embarassment. Civil Recovery - Legal Beagles for information and support. Visit ConsumerActionGroup ( Retail Loss Prevention - The Consumer Forums ) also as they have a dedicated forum for assisting people who have suffered at the hands of 'civil recovery' . Also listen to Radio 4 this morning - listen again BBC iPlayer - Today: 09/12/2009 about 1 hr 40 mins in. Also Article from the Today programme BBC News - Today - Caught in the act?
Citizens Advice publishes report into Civil Recovery: ‘Unreasonable demands?’
Citizens Advice has published a report,
'Unreasonable demands?' (
170kb), which investigates this practice (known as ‘Civil Recovery’) and the companies involved.
We believe the manner in which these requests for payment are made, and the threat of escalating costs and court action may constitute ‘deceitful’, ‘unfair’ and ‘improper’ business practice, as defined by the OFT.
Whilst Citizens Advice doesn't condone crime of any kind and does not underestimate the cost to retailers, we believe that if retailers are dissatisfied with the level of governmental action against retail crime, and seek civil redress, they must do so using means that are transparently fair and proper. 'Unreasonable demands?' sets out recommendations to the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, The British Retail Consortium and others that civil recovery should be limited to cases involving serious or persistent offences for which there has been a criminal conviction.
Citizens Advice publishes report into Civil Recovery: ‘Unreasonable demands?’
09-12-2009
Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales have been dealing with increasing cases of clients who, accused of shoplifting or employee theft, are then pursued for substantial sums of money as compensation for the “loss and damage caused by your wrongful actions”. Criminal charges are rarely brought and often the police aren't even called. In some cases the intent to shoplift is questionable. Clients are then surprised to receive a letter demanding a large sum of money, weeks after the event, when they had thought the issue was resolved.Citizens Advice has published a report,
'Unreasonable demands?' ( 170kb), which investigates this practice (known as ‘Civil Recovery’) and the companies involved. We believe the manner in which these requests for payment are made, and the threat of escalating costs and court action may constitute ‘deceitful’, ‘unfair’ and ‘improper’ business practice, as defined by the OFT.
Whilst Citizens Advice doesn't condone crime of any kind and does not underestimate the cost to retailers, we believe that if retailers are dissatisfied with the level of governmental action against retail crime, and seek civil redress, they must do so using means that are transparently fair and proper. 'Unreasonable demands?' sets out recommendations to the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, The British Retail Consortium and others that civil recovery should be limited to cases involving serious or persistent offences for which there has been a criminal conviction.
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