To view the show click the link below: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01294m1/Crimewatch_Roadshow_Series_3_Episode_19/

Charles Donoghue appeared on today’s Crimewatch Roadshow to stop others from shoplifting

Charles Donoghue has been part of the successful ‘Shoplifting can ruin your life campaign’ aimed at young people in Portsmouth.

The campaign by Safer Portsmouth Partnership began following 117 young people being arrested and charged for shoplifting within 3 months.

The next year only 28 young people received a criminal record for this offence (within the same three months) following the campaign.

The campaign has been so successful that it has attracted the attention from many other cities across the UK.

Learning Links, a charity who was mentoring Charles asked if he wanted to feature in the DVD to prevent other young people from shoplifting following his experience.

The Portsmouth based drama, showed how easy it is to identify and catch individuals shoplifting.

Charles stole sweets worth less than £2; he received a police reprimand and was banned from very Wilkinson’s store on the South Coast.

He is now studying at college said ‘I’ve been through the process myself. I want to show people that there is no point in doing it.’

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. 

Schools in Portsmouth were given the DVD along with education packs, Charles also went to some schools to talk to his peers about his experience.

Bruce Marr, PYOP Manager said: “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: “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.”

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