Large fall in youth crime in Yorkshire and Humberside

Complaints to police about youth crime and antisocial behaviour across Yorkshire and Humberside have fallen by up to 27% over the last year, following the introduction of the Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP).

The reductions have been seen since the government-funded scheme was launched across 11 areas in Yorkshire and Humberside last year. To date, almost 56,000 young people in the region have benefited from the £3.65m scheme.

Police forces in North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and Rotherham have seen reductions in telephone complaints about youth crime and antisocial behaviour of 27%, 24% and 23% respectively. Police forces in Hull have seen a 12% reduction in complaints.

The cross-government Youth Crime Action Plan  which launched in 69 areas nationally in July 2008, involves local youth services and police working together to tackle problems of youth crime and antisocial behaviour. Features of YCAP include: after-school patrols to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour at peak times and street-based youth teams to engage hard-to-reach young people who are hanging around on the streets.

Where problems are likely to arise, interventions – including family intervention projects – are arranged. In Yorkshire and Humberside 8,270 of the young people involved with YCAP were referred to other services for specialised support.

David Hanson, policing and crime minister, said the government’s commitment to tackling youth crime means “nipping in the bud” the early signs of criminal behaviour.

“We have made some excellent progress in Yorkshire and Humberside and early indicators show it is making a really positive difference to the lives of young people and communities across the region,” Hanson said.

School minister Vernon Coaker said the government was investing more towards tackling youth crime “than at any time in the past”. This includes a £22.5m investment to refurbish youth facilities in areas with higher rates of youth crime and antisocial behaviour.

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