and Liquor Mart because the Police will not prosecute you.

Store owner Mr. Richard Powell said this is because of comments made by the Police in Thursday's The Royal Gazette .

Police Community and Media Relations spokesman P.c. Gary Venning told The Royal Gazette that the videotape of a man shoplifting in the store "was of poor quality''.

Mr. Powell said he took the video down to a store in Hamilton and asked if he could see it on a big screen television.

"As I was watching the big screen the shop's staff were watching the 15-inch monitor and they said they could see the guy putting the stuff in his jacket.'' Mr. Powell exclaimed : "There's also a clear view of the man's face!'' Mr.

Powell said the people who hang out on Ord Road near his store are saying they can steal from Lines "because the film's too grainy so the Police cannot prosecute you''.

"As far as the Police are concerned,'' said P.c. Venning, "the incident which occurred in December, 1994 was properly investigated''.

"A man was arrested within three days and was later released after it was determined there was insufficient evidence to charge him.'' Mr. Powell said they never informed him about arresting and releasing a suspect in connection with the incident.

He added the Police never interviewed him or any of his staff in connection to the incident.

How then, asked Mr. Powell, could the Police say they investigated the incident if they never took a statement? He also said he was "prepared to put up $1,000 to the charity of the Police's choice if they can tell me who the witness was''.

"If the Police did an investigation they must have the name of the witness who saw him steal the beer,'' said Mr. Powell. Mr. Powell said the video "clearly shows the man takes two bottles of beer out of the refrigerator and puts them in his jacket''.

He said he called Police immediately after the incident took place. The Police officers arrived about an hour later and looked at the video, said Mr. Powell.

He said the officers said they could see what happened on the video and took it with them when they left, and said "we'll be in touch''.

"They had it for almost ten months'', said Mr. Powell.

Mr. Powell also complained about a Police statement in last Thursday's paper that said the Parish Constable for Warwick was in regular contact with him.

He said the Parish Constable had "been in the store twice since April, 1994; almost 18 months''.

"The first time was to ensure the license was on display and the second time was to talk me out of pressing charges against someone due to how minor the offence was compared to the amount of time and paperwork involved.'' Mr.

Powell said he agreed not to press charges because: "If the Police are not prepared to do their job then why bother?'' P.c. Venning said: "If Mr. Powell in not satisfied with the action taken then he is entitled to use the Police complaint's procedure and if he so wishes may take civil action against the alleged offender.''