Each day an untold number of items are smuggled out of Bendigo’s shops without being paid for.

They are placed in bags, hidden in prams, stuffed in pockets and shoved down pants.

Mostly the thieving is done slyly, but sometimes it is more brazen – such is their apparent lack of concern at being caught and punished.

Much of the loot might only be a few dollars in value, but come the end of the financial year, it all adds up for shopkeepers.

Ultimately, as with most things in life, the actions of a few lawbreakers have consequences for the majority of people who do the right thing.

Shopkeepers install CCTV cameras, theft detection devices and even security guards, in some instances, to stop the flow of unpaid for goods from their stores.

All this costs money – considerable money – and either must be worn by the business, or passed onto consumers in the form of price rises.

Even supermarket giant Woolworths is not prepared to wear the cost of being fleeced by sticky-fingered thieves.

Twice last year it engaged Bendigo police to assist its own staff in cracking down on shoplifting at four local stores.

The result was that almost 30 offenders were nabbed, ranging in age from teenagers to pensioners – but all old enough to know better.

Some were let go with a caution, while recidivist offenders were charged and will face court.

Although poverty can play a part in motivating a person to shoplift, research compiled by the Australian Institute of Criminology indicates the majority of offenders are driven by profit or gain.

Studies show shoplifters tend to be opportunistic, taking advantage of an absence of security guards, detectors or a store layout with few clear lines of sight.

Would tougher penalties be an effective deterrent against these offenders? Do they need to really fear the consequences of their actions in order to stop?

Or can we merely appeal to the better part of their nature and education them as to the effect they are having on the entire community?

It is a dilemma ever-present in discussion and debate about law and order issues.

- Ross Tyson, deputy editor