Huge fall in youth crime

A NEW campaign targeting individual offenders has been credited for a 61 per cent fall in antisocial behaviour and youth crime.

The number of youth-related call-outs in Dalkeith dropped from 72 in November to 17 last month.

Police have hailed a scheme led by Midlothian Council and the fire service for the result.

A number of young people have been targeted under the crackdown, with diversion measures including home visits, talks with parents and explanations of the consequences of offences.

Chief Inspector Jim Royan, area commander for Midlothian, said: “The work of our weekly tasking and co-ordinating meeting is pivotal in addressing local problems at an early stage and preventing more significant disorder.”