Every day, almost three million euros are stolen from shops in Belgium! That is about EUR 1 billion a year! A colossal loss for large retailers and small independent businesses. "it is therefore important to use a way to combat this scourge more effectively and more quickly," comments Dominique Michel, the boss of Comeos (the Federation of Commerce and Services). "the idea of an immediate transaction to be asked of the thief caught in flagrante delicto is a step in the right direction".

Satisfaction also on the part of the UCM. "for small traders, knowing that shoplifting perpetrators very often go unpunished even if they are caught in the bag, is an unbearable thing," explains Pierre-Frédéric Nyst, President of the Union des classes moyennes. Punishing flagrante delicts with an immediate fine is an excellent initiative by Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. This system will certainly have a deterrent effect ".

Up to 350 euros fine

For some taxiing offences, the system of immediate collection appears to be bearing fruit. "93% of drivers in violation agree to pay their fine directly," said Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. "I therefore had the idea of transposing this fast and efficient system to shoplifting. This immediate transaction system is simple. When a trader catches a thief in flagrante delicto, he calls the police. Upon arrival, the police can ask the thief to pay a fine of up to 350 euros directly. The amount claimed will depend on the size of the theft. Any damage suffered by the trader will also have to be compensated."

Three means of payment

The thief can pay in three different ways: on the spot via a payment terminal; on the spot via a smartphone with a QR code; or a little later by conventional bank transfer, within 15 days. "and if the thief refuses to pay, the prosecution will systematically forward the case, which will end up in the criminal court," the Minister says. A mechanism which, if it works, should relieve some of the public prosecutor's offices which have been busy for many years. "it will also make it possible to combat the feeling of impunity and impunity itself," the Minister said. "and this will help both the traders and the police officers who will see that the follow-up is assured".

Dubious traders

"it is very good to see that the federal government is thinking about traders and learning that it wants to combat shoplifting better," explains a Wavre independent trader. "but I am not sure that this system will work well. While waiting for the police, I am not sure if I can hold the thief caught in flagrante delicto. In some cases, and this is what many independent traders are doing so far, we are trying to find an amicable settlement, but in other cases the situation is more complicated. I cannot take any risks by forcing the thief to wait wisely for the police to arrive."

For the association Les Commerciers de Wavre, the approach is interesting. "in my store, I see robberies almost every week," explains Bernadette Pierre, President of the association. I'm trying to find solutions with the person concerned, because holding the thief in the store while waiting for the police, it's not easy. Some may run away, others may react badly, others say they can't pay. "

"I Don't think it's going to be easy to implement," another downtown shopkeeper tells us. "the big brands can afford private security guards to hold the thief and secure the premises until the security forces arrive. But I Don't have the means to use this type of protection. In some cases, I will be able to keep the thief on the spot. But in other cases, it may not be possible. However, what helps me is the surveillance cameras, which are very useful in terms of deterrence, but also for possible subsequent identifications". "I can't afford to use this kind of protection, but in some cases I will be able to keep the thief there, but in other cases it may not be possible. However, what helps me is the surveillance cameras, which are very useful not only in terms of deterrence, but also for possible subsequent identifications."

No record, but a file.

While the perpetrator may be fined immediately, and if he / she agrees de facto to the settlement, there is no risk that his / her case will be entered in a criminal record. "on the other hand, the individual will be listed in the police files," points out Wavre police chief Bernard de Maertelaere. "this will make it possible to identify repeat offenders." Repeat offenders who, in turn, are liable to prosecution.

Finally, minors are exempt from this new procedure, which came into force this year. "we call on the parents to come to the police station to pick up their teenager. Often, this first sanction is enough. If necessary, the juvenile court will prosecute the young person."