A SURVEY has revealed the rising problem of "youth-on- youth" crime in the region.

The survey for the Crimestoppers Trust found that one in five youngsters aged between ten and 15 had been the victim of a crime.

Almost a quarter of those quizzed in North Yorkshire and the North-East said the perpetrator was not someone older, but their own age.

Common crimes included the theft of expensive items such as mobile phones and bicycles.

The figures mirror the experience of police and youth offending teams in the region, who say youngsters often do not see themselves as victims of crime.

Many are often fearful of reporting what has happened in case of repercussions or being labelled a "grass".

More than 1,000 youngsters across the country were questioned for the first comprehensive youth crime survey.

The survey is seen as significant as to date the annual British Crime Survey carried out by the Home Office does not include under 16s.

Andy Errington, head of youth offending and community safety in Darlington, said: "Children often don't understand that they have been a victim of crime and when someone is bullying them they don't want to tell.

"At the same time, the police have been working with schools in our area to raise awareness of such things so children take them more seriously."

Of those quizzed, 11 per cent said they had not told anyone they had fallen victim to a crime. Thirty seven per cent said that they would be more likely to report a crime if they could do so anonymously.

Crimestoppers co-ordinator Acting Detective Sergeant Ken Parkin, who is based in Chester-le-Street, said they wanted more youngsters to ring the agency to report crime.

Calls to Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111 are free and there is no need to give a name.