Young offenders are brought face-to-face with their victims

Only five of the 500 youths who entered the Restorative Justice programme in Glasgow committed further crimes.

One part of the scheme involves a meeting between the offender and the victim to encourage youngsters to face the consequences of their actions.

The youths joined the scheme after being referred to the children's panel in Glasgow.

They had been found guilty of offences such as housebreaking, assault, possessing offensive weapons and fire-raising.

At the first level of the scheme the youth receives a restorative caution.

The programme is designed to ensure that young people involved in petty crime face up to their behaviour Councillor Jim Coleman

This looks at the reasons for offending and aims to steer the youth away from crime.

The second stage involves a meeting between the offender, his or her family and the victim of their crime.

There is also a third and final level for those who have carried out four or five offences.

Those youngsters must attend a dozen two-hour sessions on a course designed to stop repeat offending.

The city council now expects the initiative to become an integral part of the battle against youth crime.

Deputy leader Councillor Jim Coleman said: "Glasgow accounts for about 30% of all offences referred to the reporter to the children's panel in Scotland.

Make amends

"The programme is designed to ensure that young people involved in petty crime face up to their behaviour.

"From relatively minor offences to more serious crimes, restorative justice offers the chance to make amends."

More than 80% of those referred to the scheme in Glasgow have been young men, with three quarters coming from the 12 to 15 age group.