HOLIDAY activity schemes for youngsters in Oxford that have been credited with reducing criminal damage and arson are to receive increased funding.

An analysis of crime rates in Blackbird Leys, Barton and Wood Farm during this year's school holidays has shown a reduction compared to 2005.

And anecdotal evidence from the police, street wardens and city councillors points to the fact this was because youngsters had something constructive to do.

The Town Hall has vowed to plough £120,000 into funding next year's activity schemes - an increase of £30,000 on this year - and beyond.

This year, young people tried kayaking, sailing and street dancing as well as going on day trips to Alton Towers and Weymouth.

A report tabled before members of the council's decision-making executive committee said: "During the period the scheme was on, criminal damage declined in all but one area (Rose Hill).

"Criminal damage is not solely committed by young people, but it is identified as a key factor in anti-social behaviour.

"Anecdotal evidence from the police, street wardens, and local councillors found the play schemes appeared to have a beneficial effect on the local communities."

Key findings from the report showed:

  • Wood Farm and Girdlestone Road saw a 50 per cent reduction in criminal damage in August (from 16 to eight recorded crimes)
  • Blackbird Leys witnessed a 41 per cent reduction in criminal damage
  • Rose Hill saw an increase in criminal damage and arson, blamed on "tensions" within the area.

City councillor Caroline van Zyl, executive member for a safer city, said: "I am delighted the council was able to initially fund the youth activities during the summer.

"The programme has been extremely successful and the schemes were well attended by children and young people.

"We have set aside a larger budget for next year's activities in anticipation of continuing the success of this year's schemes and, just as importantly, in the hope we will be able to extend activities to more areas of the city.

"While our principal concern is that children and young people have opportunities, whether to engage in favoured activities or try something new and meet with friends in a safe environment, it is certainly encouraging a knock-on benefit of the schemes is a reduction in criminal damage."

Schemes have been running this year during the Easter, summer, half-term and Christmas holidays featuring a range of sports and arts activities.

One scheme is running at Bayard's Hill School in Barton under the supervision of sports coach Jason Carbon, 37.

He said: "It's important to give the children some kind of focus and be around positive role models, rather than making their own fun on the streets. They also get a lot of healthy eating advice."

Oxford police spokesman Kate Smith added: "We think the schemes have had a very positive effect in the area and have helped a great deal to reduce criminal damage and antisocial behaviour.

"These crimes often occur because young people are bored and have nothing to do. Having a structured and well-organised scheme keeps children occupied and they are then less likely to get into trouble.

"We are very pleased with the reductions in criminal damage in Blackbird Leys and Wood Farm and we continue to work hard to reduce anti-social behaviour and damage in Rose Hill."