Government to publish police guidance on dealing with low-level crimes

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Shoplifting, drug possession and theft are among the types of crime for which first-time offenders could receive a caution instead of being sent to court, according to a report. The draft code of practice will aim to provide stricter guidance on when and how police use the measures as part of the two-tier caution system introduced last year, the MoJ said. The MoJ hopes the system will help steer people away from criminality by helping to “nip it in the bud” while dealing with serious and persistent offenders in the courts. “This simplified system will ensure victims see justice being delivered, better nip lower-level criminality in the bud and guarantee the most serious offenders always face the full glare of the courtroom.” A consultation launched on Wednesday will set out the draft code of practice which, once finalised, will provide guidance to be used by police, Crown prosecutors, and other authorised bodies.