Children under 14 years old caught doing ram raids will be given intensive support to steer them away from crime, and towards study and work.

The move is part of a $53 million Government package extending education and and employment programmes to thousands of at-risk young people.

National party leader Christopher Luxon says it's window-dressing, and the government should have focused more on penalties and punishment.

The police minister Chris Hipkins spoke to Māni Dunlop about the package.