ARRESTS of children in Hampshire have dropped significantly, according to new figures released by a national charity.

Statistics released today by the Howard League for Penal Reform, show a 79 per cent fall in the last six years.

Data revealed that officers made 1,711 arrests of children aged 17 and under last year, down from 8,267 in 2010.

According to figures, the total number of arrests has fallen in al but one year since the Howard League launched a campaign in 2010 to keep youngsters out of the criminal justice system.

Frances Crook, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: “For the sixth year running, we have seen a significant reduction in child arrests across the country. This is a tremendous achievement, and we will continue to support police forces to develop their good practice and reduce the number to an absolute minimum.

“Hampshire Police should be applauded for their positive approach, and the Howard League is proud to have played its part in a transformation that will make our communities safer.

“By working together, we are ensuring that tens of thousands of children will have a brighter future and not be dragged into a downward spiral of crime and custody.”

Across England and Wales, the total number of arrests has fallen by 64 per cent in six years – from almost 250,000 in 2010 to 87,525 in 2016.

The statistics have been published in a Howard League briefing, Child arrests in England and Wales 2016, which shows how reducing the number of children entering the system has stemmed the flow of children into custody.

Figures also showed that arrests of girls are falling at a faster rate than arrests of boys.

Police recorded a 69 per cent drop in girls’ arrests between 2010 and 2016, and the number of girls in penal custody fell by 78 per cent during the same period.

Child arrest figures for Hampshire Constabulary

2010: 8.267

2011: 6,533

2012: 5,091

2013: 6,058

2014: 3,192

2015: 2,295

2016: 1,711