YOUTH crime rose by 33% last year, according to the States police’s latest annual report.
The force’s chief officer, Robin Smith, revealed that the cost of investigating crime committed by young Islanders in 2024 was approximately £1.8 million.
Mr Smith said the figure highlighted “the need for continued focus and resources in this area”.
The States police’s annual report for 2024 was released this week and contains a number of key statistics.
This includes data about youth crime, which the report noted had risen by 33% and accounted for almost a quarter (24%) of all crime last year.
“SOJP is committed to delivering a multi-agency and child-centred approach that prioritises the best interests of the child and seeks early intervention to prevent offending in the first instance, with the option of robust enforcement where necessary,” the report stated.
Writing in the document’s foreword, Mr Smith said: “The cost of investigating young person crime last year was approximately £1.8 million, highlighting the need for continued focus and resources in this area.
“The Government-led ‘Building a Safer Community’ initiative remains at the forefront of our efforts to engage with and protect our community.”
He added: “By fostering strong partnerships and proactive measures, such as the Youth Justice Roadmap, we hope to create a safer environment for all Island residents.”
The Youth Justice Roadmap was released earlier this summer.
It outlines the government’s intended “children-first” approach to youth justice, with a focus on prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation.
Children’s Minister Richard Vibert has said that the strategy is about “creating opportunities, restoring trust, and making sure every child has the chance to succeed, no matter what has happened in their past”.
Its publication followed several headlines about youth crime in the last 12 months.
In May, Home Affairs Minister Mary Le Hegarat revealed that children deliberately starting fires had contributed to a documented rise in arson incidents.
And in October 2024, the police told the JEP that children had been suspects in more than a third of all knife-related crimes that had been reported so far that year.
