Number of kids under 15 prosecuted for violent attacks rockets as former cops brand the crisis a ‘national emergency’
THE NUMBER of child yobs prosecuted for violent attacks rocketed by 30 per cent last year, official figures show.
Youth violence is out of control and ministers must treat it as a “national emergency”, a former cop said.
Some 438 kids aged 10 to 14 were hauled into court for “violence against the person” crimes last year, Ministry of Justice stats reveal.
This includes assault, GBH and wounding.
This was up from 333 the year before and the highest number since 2011.
Mick Neville, a former Detective Chief Inspector, said: “Obeying the law has become an option.
“People see police making fewer arrests, they see people walking into shops and taking what they want without being arrested.
“But young criminals turn into old criminals and we are already running out of prison places.
“It is a national emergency. Crime is out of control. People see they can get away with it.”
A Labour source said: “Last year’s increase in the number of child yobs is the worst evidence yet that crime had run out of control under the Tories.”
An 11 year-old boy was arrested over the summer riots earlier this year.
Two 12 year-olds were found guilty of a machete murder in Wolverhampton in June this year.
The government said they are tackling youth crime by bringing together health and police services to target those being drawn into violence.
A Home Office spokesman said: “It’s vital that those who commit crimes are pursued – too often this isn’t happening.
“We are rolling out a new Young Futures programme which will deliver support for young people in their local communities keeping them engaged in education and intervening earlier to prevent them from being drawn into crime.”