Strategy to bring about fewer victims of crime launched

Justice Minister David Ford has today published for consultation a strategy aimed at bringing about fewer victims of crime.

Preventing those at risk from entering the justice system and supporting offenders to break their involvement with crime are key elements of the Reducing Offending Strategic Framework.

While the most up to date statistics show that crime levels are on a downward trend, the cost of crime in Northern Ireland is estimated at £2.9 billion per year.

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David Ford recognises that while the Department of Justice has a key role in reducing offending, crime impacts on every Department. The document identifies the importance of Government working together more effectively to reduce offending behaviour and build safer communities.

He said: “The reality is that the fewer people involved in crime, the fewer victims of crime. At the heart of this strategy is the Executive working in partnership to deliver policies and programmes that will reduce levels of offending.

“It is better, both financially and for society as a whole, to invest in initiatives that keep people out of trouble rather than deal with the consequences of their crime.”

The Minister rejected that this was going soft on crime and said that statistics supported his argument. He said: “Effective punishment of criminal behaviour and the protection of the public must and will remain central to the justice system.”

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“However, evidence shows the high proportion of prisoners with mental health issues, the link between low educational attainment and offending, and the relationship between crime and homelessness.

“Behind these broad factual statements are many vulnerable individuals who have ended up in the justice system. Putting in place appropriate, targeted early intervention programmes can set them on different pathways and result in a better outcome, for them and for society, in the future.”

The Minister said that developing the strategy has only been possible with the devolution of justice. He said: “This is an ambitious strategy which brings together the various reform initiatives I am taking forward across the justice system.

“The factors behind offending are complex, deeply rooted and often inter-generational. The solutions do not rest solely with my Department or the justice system.”

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“It requires commitment across Government, and working in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations, to reduce offending and create safer communities.”

The consultation will run until 30 September 2012.