Pupils excluded from schools are more likely to commit crime and commit more serious offences than school pupils, according to a survey commissioned by the Youth Justice Board.
The most common offence committed by excluded offenders is handling stolen goods (60 per cent), while the most common offence committed by offenders in school is fare dodging (46 per cent), according to the Mori 2002 Youth Survey.
The highest levels of offending are in London, the South East and the North East. But the 2001 survey found that young offenders are more likely to be caught in the North East and Wales.
Reported levels of offending among mainstream and excluded pupils have not changed significantly since 1999. The latest survey showed the figures to be 26 per cent for those at school and 64 per cent for those excluded.
Levels of mobile phone theft have remained constant since 2001. Five per cent of mainstream offenders and 25 per cent of excluded offenders commit this offence.
The survey, which looks at the trends in offending, shows two-thirds of excluded pupils and over half of school pupils have been victims of crime in the past year. Most offences against young people are committed by other young people.
Young offenders caught committing crime are increasingly being punished for their crimes, the report says. Youth offending teams, courts and police are increasingly applying punitive measures such as forcing the perpetrator to apologise to the victim and pay compensation.
Chairperson of the Youth Justice Board Lord Warner said: "Young people being caught and punished appropriately is an essential part of maintaining the credibility of the youth justice system.
"This survey shows that being caught for an offence is increasingly likely to instil a proper sense of right and wrong into these young people. The fear of being caught is also cited as one of the greatest deterrents to committing offences in the first place so the role of the police is critical," he added.
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26 August 2008
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Details of government consultations
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Private Member Bills
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Government Legislation
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