Social services to be partners in car crime initiative

Glasgow social services is to be one of the three partners in
the largest initiative to tackle car crime in Scotland, and break
the cycle of offending among young people.

The three-year initiative is the result of a partnership between
council, NCH Action for Children and Apex (Scotland). Based in a
specially equipped garage in Parkhead, Glasgow, the project is
being supported by the automobile repair company Kwik Fit.

Car crime in Glasgow is around five times the national average
with some 50 children and young adults being referred to the
children’s hearing system or courts each year. The council is
funding the project at £160,000 per year while NCH and Apex
(Scotland) are to manage the initiative using their considerable
experience in working effectively with young offenders.

James Coleman, deputy leader of Glasgow Council, said: “This
uniquely collaborative project is aimed at breaking
offenders’ cycle of crime as well as improving their
employment and further education prospects.”

Kwik Fit will offer six months’ training to each recipient.
Those who complete the course will receive the nationally
recognised City and Guilds qualification, and can enter a 12-week
Prince’s Trust volunteer programme.

Joe Connolly, acting director of NCH, said: “This project is
based on what is known to work, and offers a much better
opportunity to reduce car crime in Glasgow than locking people up
in prison.”