£60m after-school patrols to tackle youth crime

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith today announced funding for more after-school patrols to crack down on youth crime.

About £60 million will be given to councils in England to pay for police, youth workers and ex-gang members to tackle troublesome young people.

The money is part of the Home Office's Youth Crime Action plan, aimed at reducing the number involved in crime and the prevalence of knife crime. The money will also be used for activities for young people. Ms Smith said: "I know the vast majority of young people are on the right track but there is a minority whose behaviour causes disruption to their communities.

"I want young people to be able to fulfil their potential but that means intervening as soon as possible to prevent offending."