Lithuania proposes criminal penalties for repeat petty theft amid organised crime concerns

Lithuania’s justice minister has warned that a surge in petty thefts from retail stores shows signs of organised crime, prompting proposals to introduce criminal liability for repeat offenders, LRT reports.

Justice Minister Rita Tamašunienė stated that minor shoplifting incidents—particularly those under €150 in value—have “grown exponentially,” with retailers reporting annual increases. Evidence suggests these thefts are increasingly coordinated, with offenders transported to stores to steal just below the threshold for criminal prosecution.

“We see this as systematic theft with organised crime elements—people are driven to stores, three get out, each steals up to €150 worth [of goods], and face no real consequences because they often lack steady income to pay fines,” Tamašunienė told reporters on Wednesday.

The ministry has proposed amendments to the Criminal Code to impose penalties—including community service, fines, restrictions on liberty, arrest, or up to one year in prison—for individuals caught stealing more than three times in a year. Currently, petty theft under €150 is treated as an administrative offence, punishable by fines of €90–400.

Additional measures include banning repeat offenders from entering retail premises for up to two years. While stores currently use surveillance, security staff lack legal authority to deny entry. “This change would allow removal from the store and a one-year ban,” the minister explained.

The amendments, which also introduce a new administrative penalty for lesser repeat offences, require parliamentary approval and would take effect on 1 June if passed.