Some Skokie Shoplifters Set To Get Ticketed Instead Of Arrested

Skokie IL

20 October, 2020

1:46 PM

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SKOKIE, IL — Instead of facing arrest and a misdemeanor charge of retail theft, shoplifters in Skokie could soon have the opportunity to avoid an arrest and pay a ticket on the spot. Village officials it will save valuable police time and bypass the criminal courts. On the recommendation of the police chief and village attorney, trustees are set to approve an ordinance amending the Skokie Village Code to add a section prohibiting stealing — "the unauthorized taking of the property of another person or entity" — and shoplifting of merchandise worth $300 or less. Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge told the village board Monday that the increase in shoplifting was a result of the "successful rise in economic development and the growth of retail business." Under Illinois law, the retail theft of property worth more than $300 — $150 for gasoline — can be charged as a felony offense. But under Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, prosecutors generally decline to press felony charges unless the value is more than $1,000 or in cases of repeat offenders. According to village officials, the reluctance of Foxx's office to charge or prosecute first-time offenders, as well as policies of some retailers when it comes to protecting their merchandise, have complicated shoplifting enforcement in Skokie. Lorge said it takes police four to five hours to deal with a single shoplifting arrest, since the only option officers have is a formal arrest and misdemeanor charge. The new offense would give officers discretion to write a ticket instead. "It will provide greater opportunity to deal with the first-time youthful offender, or first-time offender, other than formal charges, and in that regard, approaches the concept of restorative justice," Lorge said. The village attorney said the amendment would also free up officers to perform duties other than processing shoplifting arrests and showing up to court. "An ordinance violation for theft will enable Skokie police officers to issue a prepay citation with an escalating fine schedule of payments to the village of Skokie," Lorge said. "Of course, respondents may request a hearing from the administrative law officer instead." Under the proposed code amendments, anyone accused of a first violation of the local theft ordinance may settle with the village for $250. A second offense would lead to a $500 fine. The third and subsequent violations would cost $750. Trustee Randy Roberts said the change was going to help the police department while keeping young people out of the criminal law system. "For youthful offenders it gives them an appropriate consequence," Roberts said. "But at the same time, I think we read more and more about studies that having a permanent arrest record can have long-term consequences on a person's career, educational or job opportunities." Trustees signaled unanimous approval at the first reading of the ordinance Monday. The amendment is due for a final vote Nov. 2.