The measures aim to make communities safer

The Association of Chief Police Officers says it wants to stop the alienation of young people.

Its new Youth Strategy aims to focus on the minority of young people in Scotland who cause problems.

ACPOS hopes to "shatter the myths surrounding youth crime" and help young people to become "valuable members of the community".

The strategy sets out three key objectives it hopes to achieve, from promoting the safety of young people in the community to tackling persistent offending and also promoting the effectiveness of the services available for the country's future adults.

The action plan, which is being launched on Tuesday, has been developed in partnership with the Scottish Executive, Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament.

'Tomorrow's adults'

Chief Constable David Strang, ACPOS president, said: "We recognise that the vast majority of young people do not engage in criminal or anti-social behaviour and make a positive contribution to today's society.

"After all, youth is a transient phase and today's young people are tomorrow's adults and elders.

"However, it is proven that a small proportion of youths, for a variety of reasons, are responsible for a disproportionate level of crime and disruption, which impacts on others and has significant implications for a wide range of public services."

Those affected are the most vulnerable amongst us, such as the elderly and other young people themselves Chief Constable David Strang ACPOS

He added: "The Scottish Police service listens to all sections of the wider community, many of whom express feelings of anxiety and concern, particularly in relation to gatherings of young people.

"Such perceptions often lead to others living in fear and have a negative impact on their quality of life. Those affected are the most vulnerable amongst us, such as the elderly and other young people themselves."

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson welcomed the strategy which, she said, would improve the way the police engage with young people.

She added: "I have always made clear that the overwhelming majority of young Scots are a credit to their country and have a major role to play in shaping its future.

"We want to ensure their voices are heard when community services are being developed and the partnership approach that underpins this strategy will support that."

Martin Raymond, chair of the Young Scot board, said it was vital that the gap between young people and the police was bridged.

He added: "Young Scots' partnership work with the police and local authorities within the area of citizenship aims to help young people and the police service to understand and realise the potential that young people have as citizens of today.