Police believe tougher penalties could be the answer to clamping down on shoplifting. 

Official Information Act data shows shoplifting charges hit the highest rate in 15 years, with 36 thousand laid across the 2024/25 year. 

These led to the highest ever number of convictions handed down in the country’s courts. 

Police Association President Steve Watt told Mike Hosking harsher punishments might influence peoples' behaviour. 

He argues the reason we're seeing such high prosecutions is because the incentive to not steal isn't there. 

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