A 16-year-old facing dozens of charges, including breaches of bail, has been allowed to walk on a nine-month youth supervision order.

Police have privately expressed their frustration over the situation.

3AW News has seen detail of the teen’s alleged offences, which includes car thefts, hit-runs and assault in the space of just 15 months.

But a Melbourne lawyer says jailing youths is expensive and doesn’t work.

While not commenting on the specific case, Greg Barnes from the Australian Lawyers Alliance said it was always best to keep young people out of jail when possible.

He said it only increased the likelihood of re-offending.

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