Surge in violent females - police - News in brief

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, Paul McKeever, told BBC TV there was a "new phenomenon" of violent women.

Mr McKeever said: "Clearly there is an increase in the number of women who use violence in their everyday lives and when they are out drinking on the streets around the country."

An average of 240 women a day are arrested for violent offences in England and Wales, according to recent figures from the Ministry of Justice.

Mr McKeever said young women were also joining violent gangs.

"It's a new phenomenon and it does stretch the resources of the police service," he said.

Men and boys are still far more likely to be involved in violent crime. But figures released by the Youth Justice Board confirm that female crime is on the increase.

The number of crimes committed by girls aged 10 to 17 in England and Wales has gone up by 25% in three years to 59,000. Minor assaults, robberies, public order and criminal damage offences have all increased.

Crime reduction charities say the increase is down to the police, who are dealing with violent women more formally in order to meet targets.

The chief executive of crime charity Nacro, Paul Cavadino, said female crimes such as school fighting were now "more often dealt with by more formal methods like reprimands, final warnings and prosecution".