Shoplifters Let Off And Given Food Vouchers.

[anotheoldgit]

Is it not disgraceful that measures such as this have to be implemented here in Britain, while we still increase aid to 'Bongo, Bongo Countries'?

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/421209/Shoplifters-given-food-vouchers-as-reward

/// The scheme was set up in north Staffordshire in response to shoplifters’ claims that they had no choice but to turn to crime to feed themselves or their families. After accepting a caution a crook can be given vouchers to use at nine distribution centres in the area. ///

[sandyRoe]

And I had thought that most shoplifters stole to feed their drug habit. I live and learn.

[hc4361]

Those shoplifters on benefits get the same amount of money as those who get called scroungers, living a cushy life on the back of the tax payer.

Do you propose we increase the amount of benefits to the out of work?

[mikey4444]

Not sure aog what the connection is between this topic and the previous "bongo-bongo land" affair ? Do you want us to comment on this scheme in Staffordshire, or make further posts on the UKIP Bloom business ?

[hc4361]

sandyRoe - a lot do. I don't know why but cheese is easy to sell on.

[anotheoldgit]

mikey4444

/// Not sure aog what the connection is between this topic and the previous "bongo-bongo land" affair ? ///

I would have thought that by just reading my question, the answer would be obvious to most, but then.................

[mikey4444]

Not obvious to me aog...have another go.

[FredPuli43]

It tests the veracity of the claim. If the offenders re-offend, it might just be because they are dishonest, and thieves. But what are doing with the benefit money they must surely have and be entitled to? How is it that they are short of food when the rest on benefits are not?

[LazyGun]

Its not clear to me, AoG. Are you suggesting we should be diverting money from the International Aid Programme to the Welfare budget? That we should be offering more generous settlements to those on benefits?

[FredPuli43]

Let me guess. You think money sent as aid to countries with corrupt leaders should be spent here on increasing welfare benefits. Is that it, AOG?

[boxtops]

There IS no connection. Food banks are having to proliferate here in the UK because many people can't afford to eat. Foreign aid has no bearing on this.

[mikey4444]

Fred...I do some voluntary work for a local food bank, and it was a surprise to me when I found out what a range of people are being referred to us. Some of them, due to cock-ups with their benefit claims are being left with no food whatsoever in the house.

Irrespective of the merits or not of this scheme in Staffs, Food Banks are serving a larger amount of people every day. There may be some confusion amongst some people here on AB as to how Food Banks work ( perhaps not yourself Fred ), so here is a link to the Trussell Trust, who administer most of them :::

http://www.trusselltrust.org/

[dizmouk2009]

Anyone can live off benefits. The problem I feel is peoples lifestyle. I'm currently claiming Job Seekers Allowance. When I get my benefits I like some (without discriminating here) go and spend half of it on nice food and beer. I get £71.40 a week (paid fortnightly) and I have never felt the urge to shoplift. If you're willing to spend the benefits on junk then you're going to have accept that for the other remaining days you won't be eating anything. Spend £5 at ALDI and give it to a 3rd World Country. I bet they will live off it for weeks. People need to prioritise more and stop having more children than they can afford. That's my opinion anyway, I'm sure someone will shoot me down.

[Sqad]

\\\\ Food banks are having to proliferate here in the UK because many people can't afford to eat.\\

70 years on from the onset of the Welfare State and the above paragraph amazes me........

[naomi24]

dizmouk2009, I won’t shoot you down. I despair at some of the hair-brained schemes people come up with – and at the excuses they have for doing so. I have to question why everyone on benefits doesn’t steal or resort to using food banks?

[mikey4444]

It amazes and horrifies me sqad. But the gap between the rich and the poor has been getting larger for a few years now. I am not making a party political point here. The Trussell Trust does a marvellous job, without any state aid whatsoever. But they are being overwhelmed this year and are struggling to cope.

Sad indeed.

[anotheoldgit]

FredPuli43, LazyGun, boxtops,

Liken it to your own household budget, although there is plenty of money, your children are complaining that they hungry because they are not getting enough to eat, simply because you choose to give out wads of money to most of the corrupt families on your estate.

Can't be any clearer than that.

[naomi24]

Mikey, the gap has been widening for a good deal more than a few years - and I'm not making a party political point either - just telling it like it is.

[FredPuli43]

Give out of wads of money to corrupt people on 'the estate' ? I do that already, AOG. I pay taxes:)

[LazyGun]

@AoG - Yes, it can be clearer. Are you advocating that money from the International Aid Budget be diverted to the Welfare Budget, in order to offer more generous benefits payments?

A simple yes or no would probably suffice...

[boxtops]

what are you talking about AOG.

a) there is not "plenty of money" coming into our house (or many others)
b) we pay our taxes
c) I am sorry for people who can't afford to eat, but I can't afford to do much to help them, either.