Shoplifters go free – and get handed food vouchers

Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis has suspended the scheme in the county with immediate effect.

Other forces including West Midlands Police have also reportedly issued vouchers.

Officers in Staffordshire have handed out seven vouchers to 'individuals in need' since March, while PCSOs in the West Midlands are believed to have issued vouchers to people they suspect to be a shoplifting risk as a 'preventative measure'.

The initiative was revealed after a man who admitted stealing from a shop in Staffordshire was let off with a caution and given vouchers, which entitle needy residents and families to three days of food.

Critics said it could be seen as 'rewarding' offenders and may deter law-abiding citizens from donating items to food banks in future. Mr Ellis, announcing a review today, said it was 'absolutely not acceptable that criminals should appear to be rewarded'.

He said: "I don't think it is appropriate for police to arrest someone and then give them a food voucher. I would prefer the police to notify another agency."

Alan Joinson, a residents' association chairman, said handing out vouchers to shoplifters would encourage them to commit crimes. He said: "They will think if they get caught they will get some free food."

The unemployed shoplifter in Staffordshire claimed he had been driven to steal by hunger. He said he stolen two items of food to eat after spending his benefits on vet treatment for his dog. "I was given a caution and well and truly learned my lesson," he said.

"As I was leaving, a sergeant beckoned me and said 'We don't often give these out but take this please'. It was a voucher for a food bank which I redeemed the next day. Humanity is alive and well."

Police said the man, who stole from a shop in Stoke-on-Trent, had made an honest and frank disclosure about the incident.