Child Arrests Drop In Wales

The number of children being arrested by South Wales, Gwent and Dyfed Powys Poice has fallen by more than half, according to new figures.

Despite the latest numbers, justice charity The Howard League for Penal Reform claim nationwide, child arrests remain all too common and a child was arrested every four minutes in England and Wales in 2013.

Frances Crook, Chief Executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “It is encouraging to see that South Wales, Gwent and Dyfed Powys Police are making significantly fewer arrests of children than they were in 2008, thanks in part to our effective campaigning.

“Most police services in England and Wales have developed successful local initiatives that resolve issues quickly and cheaply, involve victims in the justice process and, crucially, avoid criminalising boys and girls.

“A sharp fall in the number of children entering the justice system is good news for everyone striving to reduce crime and saves the taxpayer untold millions.

“The challenge for police now is to maintain this trend. At a time of austerity, further reducing the number of children arrested would free up more officer time to deal with serious crimes.”