THE numbers of Merseyside children being charged, arrested or cautioned has soared compar-ed to other North West areas.
In the last two years Mersey-side boroughs have seen signifi-cant rises in children ag ed 10 to 17 years of age being brought into criminal justice system.
Last night the Government figures were described by Con-servatives as “shocking” but Merseyside Police insisted they were doing what the public wanted by tackling crime.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “We make no excuses for this rise. The public want us to tackle the crimes that matter to them and this is precisely what we’re doing.
“We are not here to demonise young people but when we get evidence of a crime being com-mitted we will take action no matter what the offender’s age. This approach is born out in these results.”
The figures were released by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and show that between 2005/6 and 2007/8 Merseyside boroughs have seen sharp rises in young-sters being involved with the police as a proportion of the population.
Knowsley has seen a 55% increase over the last two years, while Sefton has increased by 40%, Wirral and St Helens by 39% and Liverpool by 35%.
Assistant Chief Con Byrne added: “In recent years, we have increased our focus on anti-social behaviour. So by dealing with this crime more effectively more people will end up enter-ing, and going through, the criminal justice system.
“Ultimately this has meant a reduction in crime and fewer victims across Merseyside which must be a good thing.”
Other areas in the North West have seen a decrease during the same period of around 9%.
Jeff Clarke, prospective Con-servative MP for Wirral South, said: “These are shocking figures and show how young people in Merseyside are increasingly ending up with a conviction, a caution or arrest. While most places in the North West are seeing a fall in the number of young people getting into trouble, Wirral and the rest of Merseyside are seeing a rise.
“We are now seeing a rise in youth crime that is blighting many communities.”
Youth Justice Board Chief Executive Frances Done said: “YJB intervention programmes are having an impact and saving thousands of youngsters from a life of crime.
“The YJB’s vision is to reduce youth crime within neighbour-hoods and we are on track to achieve this.”
OPINION: PAGE 10
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