(Латинска сентенция)
Shoplifting – when the offence is completed and the possible punishment
Shoplifting may constitute theft under Article 194 of the Bulgarian Criminal Code when movable property is removed from another person’s possession without consent and with intent to appropriate it. The value and circumstances determine whether the case is minor, administrative or more serious.
When is the offence completed?
The decisive point is when the offender establishes actual control over the item and the shop loses control. Passing the checkout or leaving the premises may be strong evidence, but is not the only possible boundary. Concealing an item can indicate intent, yet each case depends on the layout, surveillance and conduct.
Attempt
If the person begins the taking but is stopped before obtaining control, the conduct may be an attempt. Voluntary abandonment is different from interruption by security staff. The precise sequence on video is therefore important.
Evidence
- complete original camera recordings;
- statements of security staff and employees;
- seizure and handover records;
- receipt, inventory and valuation documents;
- the accused person’s explanations and surrounding conduct.
A store alarm, a short clip or possession of goods should not be assessed in isolation.
Value and minor cases
Low value does not automatically remove criminal liability. The court considers value together with the method, circumstances and offender. Article 194(3) or the administrative procedure under Article 218b may apply only when all statutory conditions are met, including restoration where required.
What should be checked?
The defence should examine intent, the moment of completion, ownership and value, whether payment was attempted, the full recordings, lawfulness of detention and seizure, compensation and the possibility of a lighter classification.
Related articles
This material is general information and is not legal advice for a specific case.
If you need advice on a criminal-law matter, contact attorney Mihail Tomov of the Varna Bar Association.