Gang crime is on the rise after what some experts, including the children's minister, call 'disproptionate cuts' to youth services UK cities should brace themselves for a summer of gang and knife violence as the impact of cuts to youth services takes hold, experts are warning. Youth violence is already increasing in London. Figures given to the Guardian reveal that serious youth violence increased by 4% year on year across the capital, with a 9.6% hike in knife crime. There are fears that deep reductions in youth service budgets, particularly to programmes that divert inner-city youths away from gangs and knife crime, could have a devastating impact on crime levels. Professor John Pitts , who advises several London local authorities on gangs and violent crime, warned that inner cities were likely to experience increased crime as the holidays begin. "If you cut summer activities for young people as night follows day you will see an increase in crime," he said. ...
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