Work to prevent children and young people getting involved in crime and disorder is proving a success in South Tyneside.
South Tyneside is one of 69 areas to have received Government funding to pilot a series of initiatives under the Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP). The plan sets out an approach of prevention, support and where behaviour is unacceptable, enforcement.
Since being launched in July 2008, the plan has had a positive effective in the Borough, and the way in which it is delivered has even been held up as a national model of best practice.
Figures show that from October last year to March this year, reports of youth crime and youth disorder in South Tyneside have reduced by 19 per cent compared to the same period in 2008/09. The number of youth disorder calls to police on Friday and Saturday evenings has also fallen by 40 per cent.
South Tyneside has also seen a year on year reduction of first time offenders entering the criminal justice system. In 2009/10 there was a 33 per cent decrease, compared to the previous year.
The Youth Offending Team works closely with young people and their families to prevent them from offending through initiatives including SafeSTOP, School Patrols and the Reparation Scheme. They are delivered in partnership with the Council's Integrated Youth Service, police and other agencies.
One of the most recognised initiatives, SafeSTOP, involves removing young people from vulnerable situations on the streets on Friday and Saturday evenings. Young people are taken to the Youth Offending Service offices in South Shields and their parents are contacted. Nine of out ten of those children have not reappeared on the programme.
School Patrols is also proving a success with more school patrols carried out in South Tyneside than in any other local authority area. Officers visit schools to spread messages of safe behaviour.
The Reparation Scheme gives young offenders the opportunity to make good the harm they have done. This ranges from a simple letter of apology or meeting with the victim to carrying out an unpaid project, such as gardening, painting or cleaning - anything that will improve or enhance the environment.
Councillor Joanne Bell, Lead Member for Innovation and Safer and Stronger Communities, said: "These figures show that programmes like these are making a real difference in reducing crime among young people. They not only benefit the young people themselves, but also communities across South Tyneside.
"Our focus is on early intervention to stop young people getting started on a downward spiral of trouble, and I'm delighted to see the various schemes are having the desired effect."
Councillor Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Children and Young People, said: "Our Youth Offending Service has a major role in dealing with young offenders, helping them to face up to what they have done and support them to turn their life around through these initiatives. Well done to the team on these achievements."
He added: "However, it's important to remember that the vast majority of young people do not commit crime and make a positive contribution to their communities."
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