Teenagers facing economic disadvantage and social exclusion have spoken of the lure of crime as police, services providers and community groups gather at the youth crime summit.

More than 200 community leaders met at the MCG to discuss why some teenagers are committing serious crimes including aggravated burglary and car jackings.

Police commissioner Graham Ashton told Tom Elliott on 3AW Drive there was a big focus on preventing young people committing crimes.

‘There’s certainly a lot we don’t know and a lot we’ve got to do,’ he said.

‘We find ourselves locking up the same youth again and again and again.’

Click PLAY to hear from police chief Graham Ashton: