Tougher Measures for Shoplifting: New Penalties and Infringement Regime Announced

The New Zealand Government is launching a comprehensive crackdown on shoplifting by introducing a new infringement regime and significantly tougher penalties for theft. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee jointly announced the reforms, aiming to restore public confidence in the justice system and bolster support for retailers battling rising crime.

Restoring Accountability in Retail Crime

Minister Goldsmith emphasized the urgency behind the move, stating,

“Public confidence in our justice system is undermined if people can steal with apparent impunity. It’s disheartening, and our government will not sit by while shoplifters rob businesses of their livelihoods.”

Currently, many instances of retail theft go unreported, often due to the cumbersome administrative burden on retailers and the lack of real consequences for low-level offending. The proposed changes aim to streamline the reporting process and provide authorities with more effective enforcement tools.

Key Features of the Proposed Reforms

The government’s new proposal includes three major elements designed to address the full spectrum of shoplifting offenses:

1. New Infringement Regime

• Offenders caught shoplifting items valued up to $500 can now be issued with infringement notices carrying fines of up to $500.

• For items worth more than $500, fines may reach up to $1,000.

• This infringement notice system is designed to provide an immediate and less burdensome pathway to enforce consequences, particularly for police officers and retail operators.

2. Stronger Penalties for Theft

• For theft of goods worth approximately $2,000 or less, the maximum penalty will increase to one year imprisonment.

• For goods valued over $2,000, offenders could face up to seven years behind bars.

3. Introduction of Aggravated Theft Offense

• A new criminal classification will be created for theft involving offensive, threatening, insulting, or disorderly conduct, even if the value of the stolen goods is below $2,000.

• This could lead to doubled sentences, sending a strong deterrent to repeat and violent shoplifters.

Mrs. McKee noted the implications of this new offence:

“Harsher penalties could mean up to twice as long behind bars for aggravated theft, and criminals will be forced to think twice before destroying more lives.”

Coalition Commitment Fulfilled

The announcement fulfills a promise made under the National–New Zealand First coalition agreement, which prioritizes restoring law and order and ensuring that “lower-level” crimes like shoplifting are met with real and immediate consequences.

Minister McKee also expressed gratitude to the Ministerial Advisory Group, chaired by Sunny Kaushal, for their input in shaping these reforms. She reiterated that the government’s core justice priorities are to reduce violent crime, support victims, and restore community safety.

What Comes Next

The new measures will require legislative approval and infrastructure for issuing and enforcing infringement notices. In parallel, government agencies will likely need to coordinate with law enforcement and retailers to ensure smooth implementation.

These sweeping reforms mark a shift in how retail crime is treated in New Zealand. By introducing faster penalties and elevating the consequences for threatening behavior during theft, the government signals a strong intent to support both victims and business owners.