Shopkeeper scolded for ‘thief ’ posters
A SWEETSHOP owner who printed and displayed CCTV images of three girls he suspected of stealing has been told by the police that unless he removes them he will be the one with a conviction.
John Keppie, who runs Sweet Thoughts in Bournemouth, Dorset, said he took action after becoming frustrated at the lack of response when he reported an incident of theft to the police.
He put up the images in his shop window with the word “thief” printed above each in large capital letters.
Mr Keppie said he later received a call from police telling him his actions could be in breach of the Data Protection Act (2018) and he risked incurring a fine unless he removed them.
“I put the pictures in the window because I’ve had enough,” he said.
“The three girls came in and stole three drinks. I gave chase and they actually turned round and spat at me.
“I told the police, but they said they had more important things to deal with. Their response did not leave me best pleased.
“I know I’m not meant to have the pictures up – but if they’re big enough to steal and spit in my face, then they’re big enough to deal with it.”
A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Any use of CCTV still photographs must be within the approved guidelines from the statutory body that governs its use.”
Kevin Strudwick, the crime manager for Bournemouth Business Reducing Crime Partnership, a cooperative of local business, police and council, said: “Putting ‘wanted’ posters on the wall is like returning to the old days of the Wild West. I sympathise with any shop which has sustained losses – but you have to follow the law. Simple as that.”
Last year, over 4,000 shoplifting offences were reported to police in Dorset. Chief Inspector Bryan Duffy said: “We have a number of initiatives for reporting shoplifting and encourage people to do so even if there may not be the opportunities to detect or prosecute.”