Tackle root cause of crime to cut reoffending

30/1/08

Margaret Smith MSP has welcomed support for schemes that prevent offenders committing more crime, but urged Ministers to take a long term approach to cutting reoffending rates.

The Scottish Government has today announced funding to tackle reoffending.

Commenting, the Edinburgh West MSP said:

“Schemes designed to prevent reoffending are valuable, but this is a short term approach.  The long term solution is to focus on the root cause of offending and intervene early to divert young people away from crime. 

“I am pleased that the Justice Secretary has accepted that this principle is important, but I am now looking for him to back up these warm words with some action.

“I will press the government to tackle social exclusion and poverty in our communities and create more routes into employment and training.  I believe that the government should be supporting a culture of early intervention, with professionals in nurseries and schools working to identify those at risk of offending.

“I also want the government to support schemes that divert young people away from crime and into more productive alternatives.  Ministers could extend the support recently given to midnight football to similar innovative schemes like midnight basketball and youth cafes.”