Too many crimes, too many young offenders – Victim Care Hubs provide crucial support, but more must be done

Thousands of victims have turned to Victim Care Hubs for support in the last year, but the rise in youth violence and serious crime shows there is still a long way to go in tackling crime across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

In the past year alone, over 74,000 victims have been offered help through the hubs set up by Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones. But with serious violence among young people on the rise, the Commissioner is calling for more action to prevent crime and support those affected.

Data reveals a troubling trend of more young people involved in serious violence

• In 2022-2023, 17% of serious violence suspects were aged 10 -17, up from 10% the previous year, and 21% were aged between 18 and 24.
• In 2023-2024, 19.9% of serious violence suspects were aged 10 -17 and 23.1% were aged between 18 and 24.
• Around 60% of serious violent crime happens in public places, putting communities at risk.
• The most common serious violence offence is possession of an offensive weapon

“These figures should be a wake-up call,” said PCC Donna Jones. “We are seeing too many young people involved in serious crime. While we must continue to support victims, we also need to crack down on violence and stop young people from being drawn into crime in the first place.”

Victim Care Hubs provide immediate help when it’s needed most

The Victim Care Hubs, located in police stations in Portsmouth, Southampton, Basingstoke, and Newport (Isle of Wight), provide specialist, round-the-clock support for victims.

PCC Donna Jones said: “Victims of crime need support when they need it – not just when it’s convenient. The Victim Care Hubs are here for everyone, no matter when the crime happened or whether it was reported to police.”

To mark the first anniversary of the Victim Care Hubs, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Baroness Newlove, visited the Northern Police Investigation Centre in Basingstoke to meet frontline staff and see the service in action.

Highlighting the event, Baroness Newlove said: “I am grateful to PCC Donna Jones for the opportunity to meet with dedicated frontline workers and mark this important milestone. Time and again, victims share with me how services like these are a lifeline—offering emotional and practical support that helps them cope, recover, and find a path forward.”

Too many victims – too many offenders

Despite progress in victim support and the drop in crime rates, PCC Donna Jones says there is still too much crime, too many repeat offenders, and too many young people, especially boys and young men aged 10 to 24, getting drawn into violence.

“That’s why I’m recruiting more police officers, investing in crime prevention projects, youth interventions, and demanding tougher action when it comes to preventing youth violence,” she said. “More must be done to make our streets safer and to stop young people from targeting each other and becoming involved in the criminal justice system.”

Need Help?

If you or someone you know has been affected by crime, Victim Care Hubs offer free, confidential support. Contact them on 0808 178 1641 or via Hub.hiow@victimsupport.org.uk (Monday–Saturday, 8am–8pm). Outside of these hours, call 0808 168 9111 or use live chat at www.victimsupport.org.uk/livechat.