Ministry of Justice data has shown the number of young people in Ceredigion being found guilty of offences has reduced by nearly 70 per cent in 12 years.

In 2005, young people in Ceredigion had either admitted or were proven to have committed 284 offences. By 2017 this number had dropped to 90.

The main reason for the reduction in youth crime is a reduction in the number of young people off­ending for the first time. This was 118 in 2005 and reduced to 36 in 2017.

The reduction in youth crime reflects patterns across England and Wales.

Reoffending rates in Ceredigion have remained fairly constant since 2005.

Approximately 30 per cent of young people who have offended go on to reoffend within 12 months.

This figure includes all young people that go on to reoffend, including those subject to warnings as opposed to formal criminal sanctions.

Ceredigion Youth Justice and Preventions Service is a statutory multiagency team that has a specific role in reducing offending by young people in Ceredigion. The statutory partners include social services, education, police, probation and health services.

Cllr Catherine Hughes, Cabinet member for children’s services, including prevention, said: “It’s very positive news that the data shows that targeted interventions with young people by Ceredigion Youth Justice and Prevention Services have directly contributed to a reduction in offending by young people in the county. Interventions that target young people who are at risk of offending can reduce the risk of them going on to offend.

“The work of all teams involved across public, private and voluntary sector organisations is commendable and provide preventative programmes and structured activities to divert young people from offending and antisocial behaviour.”

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