WALTHAM FOREST: Young people suggest ways to tackle crime

10:11am Tuesday 30th September 2008

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A REPORT presented at a recent Community Safety Board meeting has suggested ways to improve levels of youth crime - from young people themselves.

As reported by the Guardian, it focussed in part on the worrying perception among young people that prison provides an “easy life” and an escape from life on deprived estates.

But the report, emerging from the borough’s Youth Independent Advisory Group (YIAG), also featured suggestions from teenagers such as increased communication between police and young people.

It quoted a 15-year-old girl from Leyton as saying: “They need to give us the chance to explain what’s really going on.”

Other suggestions included early intervention as the youngsters believe children of just 12 are at risk of becoming involved in gang culture, knife crime and drugs.

“Anyone over 12 is getting involved in stuff life gun crime now,” a 19-year-old boy from Leyton said.

They also flagged up parental training and guidance on a sustainable career path for those without supportive homes, as well as on how to break free of a “quick fix” mentality, which was driving them towards crime.

Jane Brueseke, who chairs Leytonstone Community Council and also runs the Cathall Community Safety Group, said: “My views were quite positive.

“I really want to highlight the good work that’s being done as it needs to be supported.

“I’ve met one or two of the young people as they came to the last meeting of the Cathall Community Safety Group and I do think it’s a really good thing.”

She also highlighted the fact that the young people involved were those who were more likely to be affected by “stop and search” operations and that the YIAG was breaking down barriers between them and the police.