EARLY identification of troublesome youngsters is making a difference in the north of the county.
In 2010, to date, 31 young people have been referred to Northamptonshire North’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and a projection would see this figure rise to 75 by the end of the year.
In 2008, the number of youngsters referred to the unit was 21. This figure increased to 65 in 2009.
Jim Rae, the ‘lower level’ anti-social behaviour case manager for Northamptonshire North’s Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, said: “The increase in early low-level referrals is welcome because we can then get the right resources to the young person and their parents before they get into really serious situations.
“It is my experience, inmany cases, that the realization that their behaviour has consequences to others and themselves begins a process of change in that young person.”
Northamptonshire Police work in partnership with other agencies to educate young people who are getting involved in anti-social behaviour.
The aim is to get youngsters to see the consequences of their actions and allow them to become involved in more positive activities.
They work with parents and families where appropriate.
