Knife crime in Hertfordshire has increased, according to new figures.

According to data from Hertfordshire Youth Justice, 15 young people were charged with possession of an offensive weapon in 2017-18. One of those offences involved a firearm.

And 13 of those young people – but not the one charged with possession of a firearm – lived within the county.

The figures – highlighted in a written answer by Cllr Teresa Heritage, who is executive member for children, young people and families at Hertfordshire County Council – are slightly higher than the 11 young people charged with the same offence in 2016-17.

Cllr Heritage believes preventative measures could still be effective in the county.

“The number of first time entrants to the youth justice system in Hertfordshire remains fairly stable and numbers are low but offenders are more challenging and complex,” she says.

“Because a relatively small number of offenders commit the majority of crime and serious violence there is greater potential benefit to preventative intervention.”

Cllr Heritage said Hertfordshire Police’s  Assistant Chief Constable has commissioned a serious violent crime needs assessment for the county.

It will look at what is influencing attitudes among young people and look at responses that could prevent then from carrying knives and weapons.

And this will provide the evidence to inform strategic planning for the prevention of serious crime in the county.

Cllr Heritage says it is likely this will focus on the importance of early intervention and prevention and it will include data from the council’s children’s services department.

A full report of knife crime and the county’s response to it is expected to be considered by the Council’s Children, Young People and Families Cabinet Panel later in the year (November 6).

Meanwhile, ongoing work – reports Cllr Heritage – already includes early intervention projects by YC Hertfordshire, training for professionals and resources for schools.