Plymouth, Torbay, Bournemouth and Bristol are among the 69 areas being offered a cash-injection to prevent and tackle youth crime. The funding is a major milestone in the delivery of the Youth Crime Action Plan, which aims to tackle youth crime through a comprehensive plan of early intervention, non-negotiable support and tough enforcement.
Building on excellent work already underway in the region measures will include:
- using safeguarding laws to remove young people at risk from the streets at night;
- street-based teams of youth workers and ex-gang members to tackle groups of young people involved in crime and disorder;
- increased visible police patrols during after-school hours;
- providing positive activities for young people; and
- placing youth offending team workers in police stations so that young offenders can be dealt with and directed to the most appropriate service at the earliest opportunity.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said:
"I know the vast majority of young people are on the right track but there is a minority whose behaviour causes disruption to their communities. I want young people to be able to fulfil their full potential but that means intervening as early as possible to prevent offending and to ensure that unacceptable behaviour is tackled effectively.
"There is not an either/or option in tackling youth crime: we need both tough enforcement and effective preventative measures to drive down youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
"The money we are investing today demonstrates this Government's determination to tackle youth crime and improve the quality of life for young people, their families and their communities."
More information can be found on the Youth Crime Action Plan website link below.
