Young offenders committing low-level crimes such as shoplifting in Maidstone are being urged to take part in workshops with their victims to understand the consequences of their actions.

MaidSafe and OneMaidstone has joined forces with the Kent Police Youth Justice Team and Maidstone Mediation in launching the restorative justice scheme with retailers along the high street.

A similar project has been used in the County Town in the past and the new MaidSafe Educational Low-level Offenders Workshop (MELLOW) also aims to divert young people away from the criminal justice system through early intervention.

Kim Salisbury, from Maidstone Mediation, said: "The idea is they will come to the retailer where the offence took place, along with their parents and the store manager, and we will form a conference.

"The process will be about asking what they were thinking when they did it and whether they understand the impact of their behaviour - did they realise somebody had been hurt?

"What have they been thinking since, and do they need to do something to make it right? It's putting the onus on them to have a think.

"We encourage them to remember that if the store loses money, people can end up losing their jobs, and some of the young people may have parents working in these kind of shops.

"It's about getting them to understand that bigger picture and that it's not just a matter of nicking some mascara.

"Hopefully the whole process will deter them reoffending, and help restore the young person as a good member of the community."

Ilsa Butler from OneMaidstone said the scheme has not yet had any referrals directly from businesses but that town centre chiefs have proactively organised some sessions themselves.

She added: "Restorative justice is not a brand new idea and in fact Maidstone had a very successful scheme some years ago that we are keen to revive.

"Shop theft, though seen as a low level offence, can have a real impact on businesses, affecting profitability, staff confidence and ultimately the viability of the business overall.

"We hope that the workshops, which we are referring to as MELLOW, will both support town centre businesses and provide a practical and ultimately long term positive result for young people who could potentially otherwise fall into a pattern of offending."

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