The new Police Minister says there are complex factors at play when it comes to youth offending.

The latest Ministry of Justice data shows 32 percent of charges laid against young people last year resulted in a sentence.

Ginny Andersen says Police are doing a good job with repeat offenders, but it depends on the individual case.

She told Mike Hosking she won't be drawn on what a good number is.

Andersen says she wouldn't want to see young people unnecessarily locked up.

She they need to be given the right support to make sure we're keeping the community safe, but also giving them the opportunity to get back on track.

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