WEST Yorkshire Police has joined forces with a charity to try to steer young children away from future lives of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The force has teamed up with the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) to tackle social problems faced by young people and help them develop a positive attitude towards police.

EIF, an independent charity, offers evidence and advice on improving the lives of children and young people.

It works with children from birth up to the age of 18.

The charity and the police will hold internal workshops to decide which age groups to focus on as part of the partnership.

Donna Molloy, director of dissemination at EIF, said: “Police forces up and down the country increasingly recognise that early intervention and integrated working with partners is the only way to reduce demand in the longer term.

“Through our ‘Early Intervention Academy for Police Leaders’, EIF has been exploring what this means in terms of the practical steps forces can take.

“We are delighted now to partner with West Yorkshire Police, whose commitment to early intervention and working differently provides a real opportunity to put these ideas into practice within a specific force and to test their impact.

“Through this work, we hope to start to develop the evidence base around early intervention in policing.”

West Yorkshire Chief Constable Dee Collins said: “We recognise the clear links that exist between social problems faced by young people and their future relationship with the police.

“In West Yorkshire, we have launched a project to consider the early interventions that can be put in place to reduce demand on the organisation, keeping people safe and feeling safe.

“A key element of this work focuses on children and young people, which is why we have teamed up with the EIF to use its extensive knowledge and expertise.

“By engaging with the younger generations across our community at the right time and place, we can really help to improve and influence their life opportunities.

“This partnership approach will ensure we can divert them away from the lures of crime and anti-social behaviour, from an early age.”

Police and crime commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “This partnership will not only benefit the young people engaged in it, but also the wider community.”