| Crime amongst young people is on the increase. It | | | | are also forced to take part in criminal behaviour with |
| means doing something that is against the law and | | | | serious consequences. Young people can get |
| can lead to serious consequences, such as a prison | | | | physically hurt or arrested and end up in the criminal |
| sentence. Fear of becoming the victim of crime is | | | | justice system. |
| also on the increase and is often a contributing factor | | | | If you are worried about getting in trouble or |
| to young people getting involved in criminal behaviour. | | | | someone has committed a crime against you, you |
| This often involves carrying knives or other weapons | | | | must tell someone straight way, whether a teacher, |
| and becoming members of gangs for protection. This | | | | parent, carer or the police. There are also a number |
| often creates further difficulties, as young gang | | | | of community projects and voluntary organizations |
| members may be forced to engage in other forms | | | | which provide information and support to young |
| of criminal behaviour such as taking or selling drugs, | | | | people. For example, they provide confidential advice |
| vandalism, shop lifting, burglary and physically | | | | on the personal and legal consequences of drug |
| assaulting members of the public or rival gangs. | | | | taking, possession and selling. |
| Gangs put a lot of pressure on young people to join | | | | Schools are currently providing educational |
| them. This often takes the form of bullying and | | | | programmes and advice on these issues. It is |
| threats, as well as promoting protection amongst | | | | important that you do not go through this on your |
| team members. Young people often feel a sense of | | | | own and that you approach someone for help. |
| belonging when they join gangs. Unfortunately, they | | | | |