The most common crimes were violence and assault

More than half of those had suffered violence or assault.

Just under half said they had been victims of theft.

Almost a third said they had suffered more than one incident, with one in 10 saying they had been targeted more than five times over the year.

The survey of 400 young people in England and Wales was carried out by Victim Support.

Younger people were far more likely to have suffered from crimes of violence that older people, it said - with girls at risk as much as boys.

'No help'

The interviewees said they felt a mixture of anger, shock and fear.

Yet not much was being done to help young victims.

Victim Support said that 70% of teenage victims told someone what had happened, with 40% going to police.

Yet less than 1% received specialist support from Victim Support or other agencies.

CRIMES REPORTED BY TEENS Violence and assault: 54% Theft: 43% Burglary: 18% Robbery: 13% Sexual offence: 5% Bullying: 4% Verbal abuse: 3%

"Even when they do go to the police it seems that they are not being referred for help," said chief executive Dame Helen Reeves.

"This can affect their attitudes to other people for the rest of their lives.

"It is vital that we act now to prevent any further neglect."

The charity wants to set up advice schemes in schools, but says it does not have the money to provide the full counselling service young people need.

The NOP survey polled 400 young people in England and Wales.

Six out of 10 youngsters said they had never heard of Victim Support, but 85% said they would find the charity's services helpful.

Specifically they said they would appreciate help in coping with their feelings after a crime, advice or information or someone to speak to in confidence.