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Theft from Person

Date Updated: January 2012
Title: Theft from person
Offence: Theft - other
Legislation: S1 Theft Act 1968
Mode of Trial: Either way
Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty:  7 years

Aggravating & Mitigating Factors

  • Sentencing Guidelines Council
  • Offender motivated by intention to cause harm or revenge
  • Intimidation or face to face confrontation
  • Use of force or threat of force short of robbery.
  • High level of inconvenience caused to victim eg replacing house keys, credit cards etc.
  • Organised crime.
  • Professional hallmarks.
  • Pre-planning.
  • Sophisticated offence.
  • Targetting the vulnerable

Relevant Sentencing Guidelines (If Any)

Sentencing Guidelines Council - Definitve Guidelines Theft and Burglary in a building other than a dwelling.Offences sentenced after 5/1/09.

First time offender aged 18 or over who pleaded not guilty.

Where the effect on the victim is particularly severe, the stolen property is of high value (£2K+) or substantial consequential loss results a sentence in a higher range may be approriate

Type Not Involving vulnerable witness

Starting point  Community Order (Medium)
Range Fine - 18 Weeks

Type Vulnerable victim

Starting Point 18 Weeks
Range Community Order - 12 months.

Type Vulnerable victims involving intimidation or threat of force or deception

Starting Point 18 months
Range 12 months - 3 years

Ancillary Orders: 

  • Restitution
  • Compensation
  • Deprivation
  • POCA

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