Children ‘lead surge in crime around Geelong region’

Children are leading Geelong’s crime surge with an increase of 35 per cent in offences, according to police figures.
Police recorded 1156 offences involving offenders aged under 18 between October 2015 and September 2016, up on 891 the previous year.
Children accounted for 16 per cent of offences, higher than the Victorian average of almost 12 per cent.
Offenders under 25 accounted for 39 per cent of offences, which was above the state average of 34 per cent.
The Indy published the numbers after Police Minister Lisa Neville last week announced $700,000 to help tackle youth crime in Geelong.
The money would support joint court, youth agency and police interventions, Ms Neville said.
“We are working with local Geelong leaders and experts to intervene early to break the cycle of crime and build a safer community.”
Geelong MP Christine Couzens said the investment would improve the future of the city’s youth by delivering evidence-based crime prevention projects.
“Intervening early and getting young people more involved in our great community will make a significant difference to community safety,” she said.