Number of girls arrested down by 75% (From Bournemouth Echo)

Number of girls arrested down by 75%

11:00am Tuesday 19th March 2013 in News

THE number of girls arrested in Dorset has fallen by 75 per cent in three years, according to figures released today.

The statistics have been released by campaign group the Howard League for Penal Reform, and the group praised Dorset Police when the figures came to light.

Dorset Police arrested 202 girls aged 17 and under in 2011, compared to 805 in 2008. Chief executive of the league Frances Crook, said: “It is encouraging to see Dorset Police are making fewer arrests of girls than they were in 2008, thanks in part to our effective campaigning.

“A significant 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.”

She added: “Our evidence shows that the police were arresting girls completely unnecessarily when they were out partying, often with the mistaken intention of protecting them.

“Now the police are handing out flip-flops and helping the girls home, a much more sensible approach.”

Dorset Police is one of 14 forces across the country to record a fall of 50 per cent or more.

Superintendant Garrick Smith of Dorset Police said: “For some young offenders it will remain entirely appropriate to arrest them, but where we can address the offending without bringing them into custody, we will.”