NEW figures released this week show a dramatic increase in the numbers of young people affected by crime.

Crimestoppers Youth Crime Survey reveals that up to a quarter of 10 to 15-year-olds in the south west have been a victim of crime or attempted crime in the last 18 months.

More than a quarter of victims told survey organisers the person who committed the crime was around their own age.

Youth leaders and crime prevention officers in west Wiltshire are concerned by the results of the survey.

Pippa McVeigh, community safety officer for West Wiltshire District Council, said younger age groups were notoriously at a greater risk of becoming a victim of crime.

She said: "Young people are likely to be a victim of crime because they move in different social and geographical locations.

"They carry mobile phones and cash and are less likely to take adequate security measures.

"A lot of crime among young people does not get reported which this survey may have picked up on.

"Young people must have places they can go to hang out safely.

"As a society we must provide safe places they can go and meet friends."

Greater alcohol and drug education, coupled with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of street crime, are among ideas put forward in an attempt to halt the spiralling statistics.

Mrs McVeigh said: "Not all young people who use drugs will become offenders or victims but it does increase the likelihood if they get into a cycle of drugs.

"Alcohol also leads to problems, particularly in relation to aggressive crimes."

An increase in street muggings and violent attacks on young people are being blamed for causing the worrying rise in youth crime figures.

The Crimestoppers Trust carried out the youth survey for a national awareness week.

Home Office crime figures do not include the number of crimes recorded against people under the age of 16.

The poll also revealed 27 per cent of young people between the ages of 10 and 15 in the south west had witnessed a crime.

It also found that 49 per cent were frightened of teenage gangs and 43 per cent revealed that they would report a crime if they could remain anonymous.