NUMBER OF FIRST TIME YOUNG OFFENDERS IN YORK FALLS BY 25%

12.00.00am GMT Thu 26th Nov 2009

The number of first time young offenders in York fell by 25% last year according to new figures from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

The figures show the number of 10 to 17 year olds receiving their first reprimand, warning or conviction fell from 390 in 2007/08 to 292 in 2008/09.

Nationally the number of first time young offenders dropped by 21.6%.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor Carol Runciman said, "This figures are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those people who work with young people in the city."

"The Police, the Youth Offending Team, the Youth Service and many others have been working closely with vulnerable young people to ensure that they are given support and guidance in order to prevent them getting involved in crime."

"It is important that we continue to intervene at an early stage in order to further reduce these numbers and keep as many young people as possible out of the criminal justice system."