A solicitor has cautioned Geelong businesses about potential legal consequences of posting CCTV images of alleged shoplifters on social media. Dylan Walsh urged shop owners not to take the law into their own hands, warning that false accusations could lead to civil claims.
Mr Walsh acknowledged the frustration among business owners dealing with frequent thefts, including alcohol, perfume, and meat. He said he understands why they are using social media as a deterrent, but stressed that identifying youths could harm their future prospects.
Australian Retailers Association chief executive Paul Zahra advised businesses to involve police instead. He said shoplifting is a crime and police are the appropriate authority to handle such incidents.
A South Australian Police spokesperson noted that CCTV can be valuable for investigations but should only be released to the public if other identification methods fail and evidentiary requirements are met. Businesses are urged to seek police advice before releasing footage to avoid jeopardizing criminal proceedings.
