The level of female youth offenders in Stoke-on-Trent has more than doubled in three years, according to the latest statistics from the city’s youth offending service.
Youth offending on the whole has also increased, with most crimes still being committed by males.
In 2023, 55 of the 240 youths who were referred to the youth offending service were female. This is a big increase from 2020 when only 20 of the 170 youths referred to the service were female.
The majority of crimes committed by females are related to violence against other persons. This accounts for 60% of the total offences committed. This is followed by criminal damage which accounts for 15% of offences.
Most violent attacks committed by females are against other youths. However, 2023 also witnessed a rise in young female attacks against emergency workers.
This is different from males, whose crimes are almost evenly split between violence, public order, criminal damage, offensive weapon offences, and theft and handling of stolen goods.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
