English priest says it’s OK to shoplift at times; police, retailers, clergy disagree

English priest says shoplifting OK at times

LONDON — Parish priest Tim Jones says it’s OK to shoplift at times as long as you don’t take more than you need — but British police, retailers and clergy disagree.

Jones says people in desperate need may at times be justified shoplifting items from large chain stores. He serves a village in York 220 miles (355 kilometers) north of London.

He defended his comments Tuesday despite much criticism, saying society is wrong to ignore the desperate plight of many poor people.

The Archdeacon of York, Richard Seed, has released a statement saying the Church of England does not condone shoplifting. North Yorkshire Police have followed suit, pointing out that shoplifting is a crime.

The British Retail Consortium also condemned Jones’ views.