A THREE-YEAR crackdown on youth offending was announced by police after figures revealed Gravesham has the second highest crime rate in Kent.

Young offenders will receive a stern letter from police and even be forced to attend police-run workshops as part of a three-year community plan to reduce crime in Gravesham.

Gravesham's Crime and Disorder Audit shows the borough has the second highest amount of crime in Kent per 1,000 of the population only neighbouring Dartford is worse.

It revealed 9,392 offences in Gravesham between 2000 and 2001 102 offences per 1,000 of the population. This compares to 111 offences in Dartford, 90 in Medway and 64 in Tonbridge and Malling.

Gravesham's top cop Inspector Martin Cunningham aims to reduce crime in the next three years by targeting youth crime, criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and drug abuse. Police officers will concentrate on three "focus areas" in Gravesham where crime is high Northfleet West, which includes Wallis Park, Gravesend town centre and Denton.

Insp Cunningham said: "My vision for the borough in the next three years is to tackle the spiral of decline among a minority of youths in Gravesham.

"People must realise it is a minority causing a disproportionate amount of crime."

Part of his community strategy is the "Life Choices" course for young troublemakers which starts on February 28 and letters will be sent to parents if a child is caught breaking the law.

He said: "For example, in the past if a 15-year-old boy was caught walking on garage roofs and breaking bottles in the neighbourhood, a police officer would have taken the boy home and nothing would have been recorded.

"Now a letter will be sent to his parents and if necessary his school to act as a deterrent."

North Kent Police's superintendent David Pryer said he was pleased with the community strategy, which is a partnership between police, education, fire and youth services.

Supt Pryer said: "I am pleased with the hard work which has been undertaken.

The taking forward of these important links will remain a priority for my reduction team."

For information on the community strategy, turn to page 2.