The report issued by Glasgow’s Youth Justice Services, which has analysed Strathclyde police figures showing that violent youth crime has fallen by almost a quarter in the area, is the second successive fall and demonstrates that initiatives to tackle youth crime, and the roots of youth crime, are working.

By working together, the public, private and voluntary sectors are making a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of young people throughout Scotland. Saving them from a life of crime not only benefits them as individuals, but society as a whole.

Spending on early intervention and youth support is an investment that is proving its worth now and we will continue to reap the benefits into the future. Instead of being a cost to society through prison, social work and health bills, these young people are being given the opportunities to turn their lives around and become contributors.

We cannot afford to be complacent. With swingeing budget cuts, we must ensure that our young people remain our priority. The effects of cutting back on schemes which provide support and second chances cannot be underestimated.

Geraldine Gammell, director, The Prince’s Trust Scotland, Queen Street, Glasgow.