New unit set up to tackle youth violence in Northamptonshire
We've been hearing more about the Youth Violence Intervention Unit
A new unit working with young people in a bid to reduce violent crime has been set up by Northamptonshire Police.
The Youth Violence Intervention Unit (YVIU) is working with children aged from eight to 17-years-old, who have been identified as being at risk of becoming involved with violent crimes including assault, knife crime, robbery and sexual assault.
A new approach is being taken to identify children who may be at risk and offer different types of intervention to help support them and their families.
Detective Inspector Liam O’Neill is in charge of the unit. He said:
“Tackling serious violence is a matter of priority for Northamptonshire Police, and as part of our work we’re taking a more holistic approach to the issue.
“Using our own data and that of partner agencies, we’ve looked at how we can target and influence children at risk of becoming involved in criminal activity.
“Our focus is on under 18s, as data analysis shows us this is where we see the biggest jump in offending and therefore provides us with the greatest opportunity to make a difference.
“Prevention is at the heart of what we are doing and providing intervention to those children deemed at risk of falling into criminality allows us to target the right people at the right time.”
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold went on to say:
“We need to do everything we can to stop young people being drawn into the criminal justice system, as victims or perpetrators of crime. Early intervention is at the heart of my Police, Fire and Crime Plan for Northamptonshire.
“This new Unit will reach out to young people in their formative years and support them to take a path away from crime and exploitation. That can have life changing impact that benefit not only that young person and their family, but the wider community.”