London youth call for more protection from crime

The Young Londoners' Manifesto is calling for a more visible police force that is also more approachable for young people.

Councils are also being urged to do more to challenge negative opinions about young people in the media.

Schools and colleges need to play a greater role, providing activities after school, the manifesto adds.

The manifesto has been created by pupils in the capital who took part in a consultation event staged by the London Serious Youth Violence Board, which was set up last year by police and councils to support anti-crime initiatives.

The manifesto focuses on five key aspirations that young people want police and councils to strive for. These are for young people to feel safe, have a say in tackling crime, be given advice on staying safe, be thought of as individuals and be provided with support to tackle problems.
 
Cabinet Office minister Dawn Butler said of the manifesto: "Young people have so many great ideas about how to improve our communities and it is important that they are given the chance to express their opinions about the decisions that affect them."