What Crimes Are Most Prevalent Amongst Teens in Liverpool?

Historically, Liverpool was known for its shipping trade and The Beatles. However, in recent years, teen crime has brought the city a less welcome infamy. In this article, we’re asking what crimes are most prevalent amongst teens in Liverpool?

Home of The Beatles and the world famous Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool is one of the UK’s most exciting cities. However, in recent years, it has also gained a reputation for youth crime.

As the number of teens committing crimes, and some interviewed under caution, has soared, it begs the question which crimes are most prevalent. In this article, we’re looking at the crimes that are most prevalent amongst teens in Liverpool.

Why do teens commit crime?

As in most cities, there are a number of factors which can lead to teens and young adults falling foul of the law, and these include:

• Poverty
• Boredom
• Peer pressure
• Gangs luring marginalised young people

When a person falls into crime at an early age, it can often begin a pattern that will continue throughout their lives.

What crimes are most prevalent amongst teens in Liverpool?

There are different types – and different levels – of crime committed by teenagers in Liverpool and we’ll explore some of these in this section:

Knife crime

Unfortunately, knife crime among young people in the UK has reached epidemic proportions in recent times, and this is particularly prevalent in Liverpool. In the space of just 10 years, the Merseyside city saw over 1,000 knife convictions and cautions for Merseyside children, ranging from possession of a knife to murder. Shockingly, almost half of these crimes were committed by children aged between 10 and 15.

Drug crime

Drugs have been a major problem in the UK for decades, with crimes including possession and possession with intent to supply. In the last few years, this problem has been exacerbated by what is known as ‘county lines’ crimes, which refers to gangs – often made up of children and teens – distributing drugs from cities into rural areas. In the last year, police have made over 200 county lines bust ups within Merseyside; a disproportionately high number in comparison to a lot of other UK counties.

Gun crime

We often think of gun crime as something that happens in America but, sadly, this is becoming an increasing problem here in the UK. When it comes to teen gun crime, Liverpool and Merseyside has more than its fair share.

In January, a 19 year old from Liverpool was jailed for shooting a 15 year old girl, and few of us will forget the tragic shooting murder of 11 year old Rhys Jones by 16 year old Sean Mercer. Between 2013 and 2015, 73 children were arrested in Merseyside for firearm offences.

Preventing crime among children and teens

For parents in Liverpool, teen crime is a major concern. When a child or teen is convicted of an offence it can have a very real impact on their lives, including their career prospects. In this section, we’ll look at ways in which parents can spot the early signs of crime and nip it in the bud.

When a teen becomes involved in criminal activity, their behaviour will almost always change. Commonly, the child will become more secretive and may begin going out more often, and at unusual times of day or night. To begin with, initiating a non-judgemental conversation with your teen can help to encourage them to open up. You may also want to speak to your child’s school about the types of crime which have been identified among pupils.

If you suspect that your child has become involved with – or even addicted to – drugs, it’s important to get them some professional help as soon as possible. Your GP may be able to recommend a counsellor or, alternatively, groups like Young Addaction can be really helpful in connecting you with a number of useful resources.

What if my child is arrested for a crime?

If your child has been arrested for a crime – particularly a serious crime involving knives or guns – it’s essential that you act fast. In this instance, it’s a good idea to seek out a solicitor who specialises in youth crime, as they will be able to advise you of your rights and help you navigate the sometimes complicated processes involved. This is important as, depending on your child’s age, it is possible that they may receive a custodial sentence which you will, of course, want to avoid at all costs.

Keeping children on the right side of the law

As parents, we always want the best for our children but, with busy lives, most of us are unable to watch their every move. For parents of teens, the best defense is to familiarise yourself with the signs that your child may be involved, or at risk of becoming involved, with crime, and then to take action as soon as possible.

Once a child is tangled up in criminal activity, such as county lines offences, it can be incredibly difficult to escape it and so prevention is always the best option. Speak to your child’s school about any available resources which will help you to educate your child about the impact of a life of crime. Finally, should your child get into trouble with the police, don’t delay in finding a good youth solicitor in order to limit the damage caused.

Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult a legal professional if you’re seeking advice around child crime. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.