Tokmanni demands €80 fee from parents of child caught shoplifting

A 13-year-old boy took an energy drink and deodorant from a Tokmanni store in Tornio last autumn, an act captured on surveillance footage later reviewed by Lapland police. The boy, identified through a prior school incident, admitted to the theft during a police interview. As he was below the age of criminal responsibility, no charges were filed, and police only issued a verbal warning.

However, police also instructed the boy’s father to pay Tokmanni €80 as a “settlement fee” in addition to the €6 cost of the stolen items. The father initially refused, arguing that the fee resembled a predetermined fine and that the store had no right to impose it. Days later, police called again, urging compliance. The father eventually paid after receiving a formal invoice, including processing costs.

Tokmanni’s security chief, Jukka Oinonen, confirmed to Yle that the €80 fee is standard practice for all shoplifting cases, citing staff time, system maintenance, and security services as justification. He acknowledged that some customers have questioned the charge but claimed all eventually paid. Oinonen added that other retailers sometimes demand even higher fees.

In contrast, S-Group and K-Group told Yle they do not independently issue such invoices, though they may seek €80 in settlement fees if cases go to court.

Matti Tolvanen, emeritus professor of criminal law, called Tokmanni’s practice “highly questionable” and likened the fixed fee to an unlawful penalty imposed by the store. He stressed that parents have no legal obligation to pay such fees. Lapland police, when contacted by Yle, cited the principle of minimizing harm but did not address their role in enforcing the payment.