Minister: Police have cut youth crime by 36% during 2022

Dr Helen Miles (34881431)

EFFORTS to combat anti-social behaviour and vandalism resulted in a 36% reduction in youth crime in the first nine months of the year, the Home Affairs Minister has said.

Deputy Helen Miles outlined the work carried out by police officers from both the States and honorary forces in response to a written question from a fellow St Brelade representative.

Deputy Moz Scott asked the minister to outline what steps were being taken in areas such as Coronation Park, Havre des Pas and St Brelade’s Bay.

Incidents were risk-assessed based on the level of threat and potential harm, Deputy Miles said, and were then responded to by States or honorary officers.

She added that the Community Policing Team was responsible for identifying patterns where repeat problems had arisen, or where it was predicted patterns might emerge, working with stakeholders in highest priority areas.

Deputy Miles said: ‘There has been some success in all the locations referred to by the Deputy. In fact, when comparing 2022 to the same period last year [January-September inclusive], we have seen a 36% reduction in youth crime across the Island, much of this reduction through problem-solving initiatives.’

Among the tactics mentioned by the minister were;

  • Dedicated foot patrols at key times.

  • Jersey Youth Service outreach and Jersey Sport interventions.

  • Working with local businesses to reduce alcohol accessibility.

  • Services such as Liberty Bus, lifeguards and business owners flagging to officers when groups first started to gather in order to pre-empt anti-social behaviour.

  • Social media campaigns promoting greater accountability by parents.

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