MORE than a quarter of young offenders in Essex go on to commit another crime within a year.
 

While the number of first time youth offenders has fallen dramatically the figures show many of those who start on a criminal path continue along it.
 

Nick Alston, police and crime commissioner for Essex, is trying to reduce the number and solve problems early before crime becomes a lifestyle.
 

In his crime plan he states: “Young people who enter the criminal justice system can face a bleak future.
 

“Many come from troubled backgrounds, have been excluded from school, grown up in care, or have experienced physical or sexual abuse.
 

“There are often links to alcohol and drugs, and mental health issues.
 

“Early identification and intervention has been shown to be more effective at reducing offending and anti-social behaviour than intervention when the behaviour is established and entrenched.”
 

The number of first time youth offenders in Essex has dropped by 65 per cent since 2009.
 

This is partly down to less offences and partly down to more community resolutions being used to educate young people about their actions.
 

However once they do become part of the system the figures show a large number go on to commit several crimes a year.
 

About £700,000 has been made available this year in Essex to try and reduce the pattern.
 

This includes:
• £443,000 to youth offending services
• £110,000 to community budgets for re-offending work
• £10,900 to the Positive Futures scheme in Basildon and Southend
• £10,000 to Wakering Young People’s Community project
• £10,000 to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service for Firebreak scheme
• £8,500 to Essex Boys and Girls Club for boxing projects in Braintree, Maldon, Thurrock and Uttlesford
• £6,000 to Witham Boys Brigade for a sports engagement programme
• £5,000 to Only Cowards Carry training programme on weapon awareness
• £4,000 to Family Solutions West Essex for pilot boot camp days
• £5,400 for football training sessions for young offenders
• £12,600 to Basildon Council for a pilot art project for those at risk of re-offending
• £2,300 to Friends of Abandoned Dogs to provide volunteering opportunities
• £15,500 to community safety partnerships for local initiatives.