TASMANIA Police has cut funding to a program designed to rehabilitate young car thieves because of budget constraints.
Deputy Commissioner Scott Tilyard said police had decided not to extend its funding deal with Mission Australia after the current contract ends in September.
The government has funded and celebrated the program for 10 years.
``Unfortunately during these restrictive budgetary times everything is being reviewed,'' Mr Tilyard said.
``Regrettable, but necessary, decisions must be made to ensure this Department manages responsibly within its budget allocation with the primary focus being on the delivery of frontline policing and emergency management services.''
Mission Australia state director Noel Mundy said the program could not survive without the police funding, estimated at $850,000 a year.
Mr Tilyard said the annual funding was closer to $1 million.
The U-turn program sees about 60 young offenders a year.
