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See other news storiesMillions allocated to fight youth crime
16 September 2008
Targeted programmes, including after-school patrols and crime prevention teams, will receive a cash injection of almost £60 million.
The funding is a major milestone in the youth crime action plan, which launched in July.
The plan tackles youth crime through a comprehensive strategy involving early prevention, non-negotiable support and tough enforcement.
Communities across England will receive funding, starting with 69 targeted towns and cities that have each been offered £700,000 for intensive action over the next three years.
All parts of the country will get some support. £22 million will be distributed to areas outside these 69 targeted communities. And all areas will be able to draw on improved advice and support from experts on tackling youth crime.
In addition, 20 local authorities will get an extra £100,000 this year to expand family intervention projects.
Key areas of action
The funding will help support actions including:
- using safeguarding laws to remove young people at risk from the streets at night
- building street-based teams of youth workers and ex-gang members to tackle crime and disorder
- increasing visible police patrols after school
- expanding family intervention projects to respond more effectively to those at risk
- providing positive activities to keep young people busy
- placing specialist teams in police stations to direct young offenders to help at the earliest opportunity
These actions have already demonstrated that, when combined as part of a concerted effort, they can successfully turn around the behaviour of the most challenging families with children at risk of offending.
Focusing on the disruptive minority
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said 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,' she said.
'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.'
Is your town included?
See the list of 69 communities receiving immediate funding (new window) on the Home Office Press website.
