Police say they will strengthen education on youth crime prevention following a 22.8 percent jump in youth arrests for criminal offences in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period last year.

Between January and June, a total of 1,529 teenagers aged from 10 to 20 were arrested, mostly for crimes such as causing injury, serious assault, fraud and criminal damage.

At a press briefing, Police Commissioner Raymond Siu said he believes that strengthening crime-prevention education efforts at a younger age is more effective in preventing crime than relying on enforcement actions.

He said from Tuesday, the force will start distributing 50,000 sets of the updated "Youth Crime Prevention Booklet" to about 1,000 primary and secondary schools, as well as other youth service groups.

The first edition of the booklet which contained information on relevant laws, court rulings and support services for common youth crimes was issued last year.

Siu noted 10,000 additional copies would be distributed for this year’s edition, following positive feedback from schools and parents.

But he stressed it would take time to measure the booklets' effectiveness in preventing crime.