Youth crime: new funding available

OLDHAM Council is set to get a share of a multi-million fund to tackle the growing problem of youth crime.

Bosses will be handed £700,000 over the next three years with an immediate £90,000 injection if they agree to an intensive package of measures which could include more after–school patrols and street–based teams.

Oldham is one of 69 areas that will be given money to be used for early intervention programmes and tough enforcement schemes, ministers say.

The Home Office says the money will build on excellent work already under way in different parts of the country and measures will include:

Using safeguarding laws to remove at-risk young people 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.

More police patrols during after-school hours.

Providing positive activities for young people.

Placing youth offending team workers in police stations so that 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.

“I want young people to be able to fulfil their potential and 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 tough enforcement and effective preventative measures to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour.”

Justice Minister David Hanson said guaranteed funding for three years would help councils plan how best to tackle problems.

He added: “We are targeting this investment to ensure that we reduce youth crime rates and make our communities safer.

“The extra funding will support work already under way to help young people to turn away from a life of crime.”