Parents urged to talk more to their babies as part of a £4m police drive to cut youth crime

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Parents are to be encouraged to talk more to their babies as part of a police drive to combat youth violence.

The £4million project aims to improve infants’ emotional development and cut the risk of them growing up with behavioural problems that could cause them to drift into crime.

It follows research which suggests a lack of early brain stimulation can cause problems later in life.

Scotland Yard officers will first identify families with potentially vulnerable children, and pass on details to health workers.

Commander Rod Jarman said: ‘In some situations where a baby is not in contact with many people there is poor socialisation later on and a propensity to violence.

'Early intervention can make a big difference.’

Families with older children who have been involved in crime will be targeted by the Met.

Officers will also be trained to teach teenagers how to avoid fights.