Youth crime

To stay safe and confident you need to know the law, your rights and what to do if you get involved in crime.

We all know to phone 999 if you see a crime that’s an emergency – for example if someone is in real danger. If you need to report a crime that isn’t an emergency, phone Sussex police on 0845 60 70 999. Every bit of information helps, so make sure you report it.

If you want to report a crime but don’t want to give your name, contact Crimestoppers, free phone: 0800 555 111.

It can be really upsetting and scary to witness or be a victim of crime. You don’t need to deal with it alone – you can get help from Victim Support.

Read more at Victim Support – are you ok?

The law says that you are innocent until proven guilty. If you are arrested, you can ask for your rights to be explained for you at any time. If you are 16 or under you cannot be interviewed without an adult there. This will be your parent, carer, social worker or another appropriate adult.

Find out more about the youth justice system and the different stages you will go through at the Youth Justice Board website – guide to the youth justice system.

All recreational drugs are illegal, but they are put into one of three categories depending on how dangerous they are:

Class A - these are the most harmful drugs and include cocaine, ecstasy and LSD.
Class B - these include speed, cannabis and some amphetamines.
Class C - the least dangerous drugs but are still harmful. They include ketamine and some tranquilisers.

If you're caught with drugs, you can be charged with possessing an illegal substance, whether it's yours or not. If you're under 17, the police are allowed to tell your parent or carer that you've been caught. The punishment you get will depend on the class of drug.