Police, shopkeepers

Who is it aimed at?

First-time shop theft offenders

How does it work?

The young offenders are taken for an interview with the police and are brought face to face with the shop keeper who explains the consequences of shop theft. They are assessed and then referred to a programme of meetings with the police, youth services, careers advisors and other agencies where appropriate to tackle the causes of their offending.

The sessions end with a restorative caution being issued.

Does it work?

Re-offending rate reduced from 35 per cent to 3 per cent. (McCulloch, H Shop Theft, 1996, Home Office, London)