A SCHEME to bring minor offenders fact to face with their victims has been introduced across Cleveland today (Tuesday, September 1).

Community Remedy will offer a voice to victims of low-level offences on out of court disposals under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

The initiative works in conjunction with several agencies including Durham Tees Valley Community Rehabilitation Company, Victim Support and Unite to offer services around drug and alcohol intervention, reparation or unpaid work, mediation and anger management programmes.

Cleveland Police restorative justice co-ordinator, Danielle Gibson, said: “Restorative justice has been used successfully in the Force and up and down the country for some time. Community Remedy is an extension of this, but it gives victims more of an input into how those who commit low-level crimes are dealt with.

“The initiative concentrates on repairing the harm for the victims whilst also addressing offender behaviour. By tackling the reasons as to the offender committing the crime, it is hoped to reduce the risk of them re-offending.”

Eligibility for an offender’s suitability for Community Remedy is dependent on the type of crime and the offending history of the subject.

Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger said: “In working with other agencies to break the cycle of crime, we hope that there will be fewer victims in the future.

“Community Remedy gives victims a voice and helps to determine the best outcome for them.”