Crime
Victims of CrimeAny young
persons may become a victim of crime. Some common types of crime directed towards young people are theft,
robbery, assault, racial harassment and bullying. | 
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Who
can help?
Safer Communities Torbay aims to help young people who are victims of
crime here in Torbay through the Young Victims of Crime Project
Young Victims of Crime Film -‘It’s Your Choice’
A short film aimed at raising awareness amongst young people about the
reality of crime, the importance of reporting it and the very real consequences that they may face should
they commit crime.
You
and the Police
You need to remember you have the
right to be treated fairly and with respect by the Police.
What if you are stopped in the street?
If
they stop you in the street, they must tell you their name, the station where they are based and why
they have stopped you. If they stop you they probably suspect that you have done something illegal or
that you might be about to break the law. You must give your name and address, but you don't have to
answer any legal questions until you have had legal advice. Stay calm because if you get abusive or
angry it will only increase your chances of getting arrested.
If the Police suspect you of carrying an offensive weapon, drugs or
anything else with which you could commit a crime, your outer clothing may be searched by a police officer
if you are in public.
What if they want to take further action against you?
If
you are under 17 you cannot be questioned at a police station without a parent or carer being present.
If they can't attend an 'appropriate adult' must be present, who may be a relative or family friend.
The first offence may result in a reprimand, warning or charge, depending on the seriousness of the
offence.
Whatever your age you are entitled to speak to a free duty solicitor
in the police station. Always ask for their advice.
If you have to go to court, young people aged 10 -17 are taken to the
Youth Court and if you are 18 and above, you will go to the Magistrates' Court. At court you will be
found either guilty, not guilty or the case could be dropped. If you are found not guilty you are free
to go and also get back any property of yours that the Police have.
Who can help?
The
Community Legal Service (CLS) runs an easy-to-use service that can help you deal with your legal problems.
It provides free information, help and advice direct to the public on a range of common issues. Visit
the CLS site at
www.clsdirect.org.uk 
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The Final Warning Programme
The
Final Warning Programme was created by the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act as a way
of dealing with offences committed by young people aged 10 to 17, provided that the offence is not so
serious that it needs to go to court. It was introduced in an effort to encourage young people to take
responsibility for their criminal actions and to keep them from committing further offences and it replaced
the old system of police cautions for young people.
 | The No Way Trust is a national educational charity set up in 1995 by prison officers who wanted to make an impact on the lives of young people and turn them away from crime and its consequences using highly innovative educational techniques. It provides a quality service to help young people make a success of their lives, using an innovative, fresh approach that encourages a positive decision making process, designed to reduce or remove the possibility of offending behaviour. If that all sounds interesting check out their website:
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 | HM Prison Service – a quick insight into the prison service. Her Majesty's Prison Service serves the public by keeping in custody those committed by the courts. Our duty is to look after them with humanity and help them lead law-abiding and useful lives in custody and after release. If that all sounds interesting check out their website:
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 | Yrspace.info looks at how things around you can affect how you think and feel. It also explores how you can improve life for yourself and those around you by thinking about your actions. If that all sounds interesting check out their website: |
 | Crimestoppers for young people. ShadowCS.co.uk is a resource for young people to discuss crime, seek advice and pass on information about crime anonymously via the secure, encrypted Giving Information Form for young people.
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The
South West is one of the safest areas in the UK. Devon & Cornwall Constabulary works hard to protect
you and your friends. However, there are still things that you can do to help you and others feel safe
and more in control. This website suggests ways that you can stay safe and avoid trouble when you are
out, at home or even when you are on the internet.
