THE fight against juvenile crime entered a new era this week - with the launch of new Youth Offending Teams.

For the first time, the expertise of police, probation, social services, health and education staff has been combined to cut crime by under 18s.

The Cheshire-based teams will focus on:

Swift administration of justice

Intervention to prevent the risk of re-offending,

and the confrontation of offenders with the consequence of their crimes.

YOTs will support parents and draw up action plans to enable magistrates to sentence more effectively.

In the case of crimes against the community - vandalism - projects will be considered, offering youngsters the chance to make amends.

"We want victims and communities to feel safer and valued," said Aileen Shepherd, Cheshire's newly apppointed head of Youth Offending Services.

"We want them to know that the new system is to prevent re-offending.

"Victims might like to know whether the young offender is sorry. They may even like to receive a letter from that offender."

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