Councillor calls for tougher youth justice measures in North Yorkshire

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 13:45 · Archive

A North Yorkshire councillor has warned that young people involved in antisocial behaviour are not facing sufficient consequences and risks becoming 'hardened criminals'. Cllr Janet Jefferson told a meeting of the York and North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel on Wednesday, October 14, that there are 'increasing incidents of gangs of young people, damaging property, antisocial behaviour and intimidation of other persons'. She called for a new approach to prevent such behaviour before offenders become hardened criminals.

Jefferson suggested reinstating a youth justice system similar to one that operated in Scarborough, which involved Saturday morning court hearings where young offenders and their parents attended and reparation orders were issued. She said this approach had worked. Jo Coles, deputy mayor for policing, fire and crime, acknowledged serious issues remain but stressed that some incidents classified as antisocial behaviour are actually serious crimes. She noted that criminal damage to property is not antisocial behaviour but 'much more serious than that', whilst confirming that antisocial behaviour incidents in the Scarborough area had recently reduced.

How it is being reported

• Call for new measures to stop youngsters becoming 'hardened criminals'A new approach should be taken to prevent young people from becoming “hardened criminals”, a North Yorkshire councillor has warned.The Press (York) · 14 Oct, 13:01
• Call for new measures to stop youngsters becoming 'hardened criminals'A new approach should be taken to prevent young people from becoming “hardened criminals”, a North Yorkshire councillor has warned.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 14 Oct, 13:01

In this story: Cllr Janet Jefferson · Jo Coles · North Yorkshire · Scarborough · York and North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel

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