The Arson Reduction Rap project aims to reduce incidents of arson, car crime and anti-social behaviour amongst 11-18 year olds, who are either known offenders or at risk of offending. The target group is young people who are socially excluded or live in disadvantaged areas.

They may already be excluded from school, attend Pupil Referral Units, participate in Alternative Curriculum, or be attached to Youth Offending Teams, and generally have learning and behavioural issues.

Young people from the ten Unitary Authorities in South Wales attend 8 one hour workshops, where they have the opportunity to write and perform their own rap songs, take part in Graffiti, ceramics, and tee shirt design workshops. They will focus on the dangers of arson, car crime and anti-social behaviour, and their project leaders will work with them to raise awareness on the actions and consequences of committing crime, and the effects of crime on the victims, communities, families, the environment and other people. The workshops are designed to develop communication, team building, motivation, confidence, and the reading and writing skills of those who attend them, as well as promote respect and discipline.

The project is being funded by the Welsh Assembly Government, and is supported by the Youth Offending Teams, Youth Service, Crime Management Units at South Wales and Gwent Police, Anti-Social Behaviour Teams and Car Crime Task Groups.

The project aims to be accredited by the end of 2008 and be able to offer an OCN to all young people who take part in the programme.