Shoplifting by young people fell by 76% in the run up to Christmas last year following the Safer Portsmouth Partnership’s “Shoplifting can ruin your life campaign”.

In 2009, 117 young people were arrested and charged for shoplifting between October and December. During the same period in 2010, only 28 young people received a criminal record for this offence.

Shoplifting is the most common offence committed by young people and in 2009/10 it made up 43% of first time offenders.  

The campaign targeted 10-17 year olds living in Portsmouth in the run up to Christmas as analysis showed that this is the most likely time young people get arrested.

Over 50 education packs were supplied to schools and youth groups in the city. The packs included a DVD and lesson plan that could be delivered in both the classroom or on a one-to-one basis.

The DVD showed the stark reality of being caught for shoplifting.  Portsmouth has the most CCTV cameras in the county and businesses, the council and police work hard to prevent crime and catch criminals.  The Portsmouth based drama, showed how easy it is to identify and catch individuals.

The campaign has also attracted the attention of others outside the Portsmouth area and the team has fielded enquiries from Dorset, Cornwall and Wales.  BBC Crimewatch Roadshow has also been in touch and they are considering featuring our campaign as part of a shoplifting special due to air in July.

Bruce Marr, PYOP Manager said: “We needed to be sure that this campaign has made a real difference as opposed to other factors e.g. the weather.

“So we analysed the data and found that shoplifting by adults in the same period had reduced by just over 1% and young people who were dealt with by triage* due to shoplifting had remained constant.  This means that young people who committed this offence were still getting arrested when caught.

“I am really pleased that 99 young people – who might have committed this offence but didn’t due to the campaign – will not be lumbered with the consequences of having a criminal record. They will find it easier to get a job and/or being accepted at college as a result.

“A lot of people went out of their way to help us make this campaign work and so I would like to thank everyone who supported us in making the DVD which included CCTV Team at PCC, City of Portsmouth Boys School, Learning Links, the police, Portsmouth Business Crime Partnership, the Southern Co-operative  and the Portsmouth Players.”

George Gallop, Partnership Manager at Learning Links said: “Learning Links is pleased to have been allowed the opportunity to participate and support this strong partnership and we are particularly pleased to witness the reduction in the number of first time entrants to the criminal justice system due to shoplifting.

“As an organisation that works with vulnerable and ‘at-risk’ youth we know that shoplifting not only carries serious consequences to the merchant and the community at large, but is often also a symptom of other underlying issues  which may be impacting the young offender.

“The message Charles Donohue has been so successful in conveying has obviously been taken on-board by his peers and classmates. We commend him for the steps he has taken to turn himself around, focusing on his future plans while still recognising and accepting the consequences of his past actions and behaviours.

“We will continue to support Charles and young people like him with hopes for more successful outcomes. Well done Charles and thanks again to SPP for affording Charles and Learning Links with this valuable opportunity.”

Copies of the DVD are available on request or you can look at it on line http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WFAGSpqKyU