Fall in number of youth arrests

Police and Crime Commissioner Dr Alan Billings singled out the Lifewise Centre, Hellaby for its work keeping youngsters out of trouble.

He said: “Since 2005 they have offered personal safety educational programmes, delivered to year six pupils from across South Yorkshire.

“The course teaches young people about their responsibilities and how easily they could find themselves in danger or place others in harms way.

“There are also a number of restorative justice approaches in place that allow young people to take ownership of their actions, whilst keeping them out of the criminal justice system.”

Figures recently released by the Howard League for Penal Reform showed that arrests of 10-17-year-olds across South Yorkshire fell from 6,235 in 2010 to 2,285 in 2014.

The regional 63 per cent drop exceeded a national average of 54 per cent.

Dr Billings said: “This is very welcome news. When young people are arrested it can blight the whole of their future lives.

“These figures offer reassurance that measures are taking effect and more young people are finding their way in life without resorting to crime.”

For more information about Lifewise projects, visit www.lifewise999.co.uk