Thieves who cause emotional distress face tougher sentences under new rules

Thieves who cause emotional distress or damage historic objects will face tougher sentences under new rules.

The new guidelines from the Sentencing Council allow courts to take into account issues beyond financial loss when sentencing those convicted of theft.

Jill Gramann from the Sentencing Council said the move would ensure "the harm caused to the victim is central to the sentencing decision".

It means that thieves who damage war memorials by stealing metal plaques will be sentenced more harshly.

Mark Harrison, national policing and crime adviser for Historic England, welcomed the new rules.

But the new rules apply to all theft offences, including pick-pocketing, handling stolen goods, the theft of electricity and shoplifting.

Helen Dickinson, the chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said the guidelines were positive for retail businesses.

"In volume terms, theft is the top crime concern for retailers and our data shows that the average cost of each theft suffered by our members soared to £241 in 2013-14," she said.

"It is positive that the new guideline allows sentencers to take into account the full impact of theft offences, which includes the non-financial consequences for businesses and their staff."

Theft is one of the most common offences dealt with by courts - more than 91,000 offenders were sentenced last year.

While the value of items stolen remains an important factor, the guidelines focus on the impact of thefts on victims beyond financial loss, such as emotional distress, loss of confidence and disruption and inconvenience.

Other factors making an offence more serious include thefts that risk harm to people, such as stealing electrical cables.