Tougher Sentencing

[spudchucka]

And why should the amount matter? What has been stolen has been stolen, surely??

The value of the property stolen determines the maximum penalty for theft.

The punishment for theft is found in Section 223 of the Crimes Act 1961.

[223.Punishment of theft—

Every one who commits theft is liable as follows:

(a)in the case of any offence against section 220, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years; or

(b)if the value of the property stolen exceeds $1,000, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years; or

(c)if the value of the property stolen exceeds $500 but does not exceed $1,000, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 1 year; or

(d)if the value of the property stolen does not exceed $500, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months.]

[Skyryder]

If you don't see the difference you have never lost anything of value, the first is not three months hard work.

Big Dog you made a statement claiming that because I do not see the difference I have lost nothing of value. The point I am making is not all things can be replaced and there are some things that do not have a price because they are not for sale. They are therefore valueless. As I said when you have had such an item stolen you may make the distinction between an item that can be replaced as against one that can not.
Theft is theft reaguardless of value. And there is simply no excuse.

Skyryder

[Big Dog]

Theft is theft reaguardless of value. And there is simply no excuse.

Skyryder

Whole heartedly concur, It is a bit like the murder in that the item is gone either way. However there has to be some distinction between how far you would go / how much you are prepared to lose to recover it.

[scumdog]

Steal anything of mine and you take your life in your hands, - I'll sail a slug through you if I thought I could get away with and life for you is going to be hell if I think I can't get away with it, every time you get a bit of "bad luck" you'll wonder "was it just bad luck?'

Light fingered bastards - eat shit and die!!!