Young offenders
Southampton has a relatively young age profile, with 55,561 young people aged 0-18 years, which is predicted to grow 6.9% by 2025. There is evidence to suggest that young people can be at high risk of becoming involved in crime, either as a victim or an offender. The likelihood of a young person becoming involved in crime increases with negative risk factors such as family conflict, poor attendance and exclusion from school.
The rate of first-time entrants to the youth justice system in Southampton has fallen since 2018 and is similar to the recent historical low of 2017, with the England first-time entrant rate also falling over the same period.
Across England and Wales, reoffending among young offenders remains high, with over a third of children reoffending within 12 months of release from secure institutions. Similar patterns are seen in Southampton, with 39.3% of young offenders reoffending.
2,009 crimes were committed by suspects or offenders aged 9-17 in Southampton during 2018/19, with Redbridge, Bargate and Bitterne wards having the highest rates of crimes committed by identified suspects or offenders aged 9-17.
The full report, summary slide set and a data compendium are available below. For more information on crime in Southampton, see the Safe City Strategic Assessment page.