Auckland police are growing concerned by the number of youths committing serious crimes.

LISTEN: Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers speaks to Mike Hosking on youth offending.

While there's been an overall drop in the youth crime rate, there's been a spike in violent crimes.

Auckland City District Commander Superintendent Richard Chambers told Mike Hosking children as young as 10 are involved in these crimes.

"This year we have really noticed an increase across Auckland of young people getting themselves in trouble, and they are crimes of dishonesty and violence. That really concerns us."

Mr Chambers said police are working closely with other agencies to turn them around.

"We absolutely put a huge amount of effort into helping these children for their futures."