Release Date: 14/11/2008
Richmond Council has announced figures indicating a 20% reduction in the numbers of young people getting into trouble with the law.
There has been a 20% reduction in the number of First Time Entrants (FTEs) from July to September this year in comparison to those for the same period of the previous year. This is a result of successful work by the Council’s Youth Offending Team (YOT), the police and other partners.
Cabinet Member for Communities, Cllr David Williams said:
“I am delighted with the lasted results from the Youth Offending Team and our partners. This is a result of our commitment to reduce the number of young people from the borough getting into trouble with the law.
“Excellent cooperation between ourselves, the police and schools has helped us to identify young people who are at risk of getting into trouble. They can then be supported and steered away from the wrong path.
“Our Youth Support Service and Young People Drug and Alcohol Team have been working with individuals giving us the opportunity to take action before they get arrested and enter the criminal justice system.
“This is good news for us but it is particularly good news for the young people involved. Providing better services for our young people while at the same time making sure Richmond upon Thames is the safest borough in London are key priorities for this administration.”
A preventative approach has been taken identifying both individuals and associates of young people who are at risk of offending or who are known to be involved in anti-social behaviour before they commit a crime.
The YOT have worked with pupils from participating secondary schools in the borough looking at crime and consequences to deter young people from anti-social behaviour. The team will continue to work with schools discussing national themes and local concerns that may place young people at risk of entering the youth justice system.
The Council also runs parenting programmes to support parents in ensuring young people do not become involved in criminal activities.