`SHOPLIFTING DIVERSION' MAY BREAK CRIME CYCLE

Too often juvenile delinquency matures into adult crime and jail time. A new county-wide program is taking aim to stop this cycle of lawbreaking. We applaud "Shoplifting Diversion," which begins this month, and hope that it can positively influence the lives of its youthful participants.

A key to the program's success may be its cooperative nature. The county juvenile office, Community Counseling Center, and Cape Girardeau merchants are working together to help these young offenders. The court can order shoplifters aged 13 to 16 to attend the 10-week program.

Statistics indicate that juvenile shoplifting has been a problem in Cape Girardeau. More than one-third of all shoplifting cases handled by Cape Girardeau police last year involved juveniles. In 1991, the juvenile office had 124 referrals for shoplifting.

These young offenders may not see shoplifting as a crime. They may feel it doesn't really hurt anyone. But the fact is that shoplifting is an expense that everyone bears in the form of higher prices. And if caught, these youthful offenders may pay a high price themselves in terms of a felony record and family tensions. Many kids start with small items, and work up to more expensive merchandise. What begins as a lark may become a risky habit.

This new county program will help focus the teenagers on the consequences of their actions. Counselors will help participants focus on behavior modification.

Unique to this program is the fact the victims of these crimes will play an integral role in the rehabilitation process. Merchants will talk directly to offenders, explaining the costs of their actions. Some businesses will also sponsor "scholarships" to pay for some of the offenders' tuition. More merchants will also be encouraged to report shoplifting incidents.

This cooperative program will target both first-time shoplifters and repeat offenders. "Shoplifting Diversion" represents a positive partnership for juveniles, parents and the business community. It's a way we can all work together to fight crime, and change young lives for the better.