THE number of girls being arrested across Northamptonshire has fallen by a third over the last three years, figures obtained by the Howard League for Penal Reform reveal.
Northamptonshire officers made 358 arrests of girls aged 17 and under during 2011, compared to the 535 arrests recorded in 2008.
Across England and Wales, police arrest almost 100 girls each day, although the overall number has almost halved in three years.
Police recorded more than 34,000 arrests in 2011, compared with more than 62,000 in 2008.
Frances Crook, chief executive of the national charity, which works for less crime, said: “It is encouraging to see that Northamptonshire Police are making fewer arrests of girls than they were in 2008, thanks in part to our effective campaigning.
“A significant fall in the number of children entering the justice system is good news for everyone striving to reduce crime and saves the taxpayer untold millions.
“Our evidence shows that the police were arresting girls completely unnecessarily when they were out partying, often with the mistaken intention of protecting them.
“Now the police are handing out flip-flops and helping the girls home, a much more sensible response.”