Since 2010 the number of young people in custody has decreased by 80%. However this positive trend accompanies a rise in the proportion of young people from ethnic minority backgrounds in custody, which increased from 32% to 53% between 2011 and 2021 and up to 61% in 2023. It’s a good example of why we need to look beneath the general trends, and find out how particular groups are affected disproportionately.

When we look at the types of offences committed by young people aged 10-15, there's a consistent downward trend over the decade for most categories of offences. This could be attributed to changes in policing strategies and approaches to youth offending. But it could also be linked to improved security due to technological advancements. It’s just harder to steal a car than it used to be!

When it comes to the gravity of offences, 84% are on the lower end of the 8-point scale in 2023. So most offences committed by young people are relatively less severe.