Police say rapid response units will be able to serve communities across the western plains as they launch a new operation targeting youth crime.

Sixty designated officers will disrupt serious violent crime among 11 to 16-year-olds across regional NSW under Operation Soteria, announced in Dubbo on Wednesday 19 March.

The operation will include arresting "ringleaders" and diverting first-time offenders.

“The operational arm of this operation will consist of high-visibility policing, targeting a defined cohort of hundreds of repeat offenders believed to be responsible for 90% of youth crime across regional NSW,” NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisano said.

Western Plains towns are not part of the initial focus areas, although police confirmed they can serve areas outside them, including from Dubbo and Moree.

PolAir, NSW Police's air unit, will be available to transport rapid response officers.

Police said the officers will target "aggravated" theft and break and enter incidents, as well as 'post and boast' offences where offenders announce their crimes online.

A media statement said they will also refer young offenders to programs like YAMS (Youth Action Meetings), a multi-agency forum designed to prevent re-offending.

"The prevention arm of this operation is extremely important as we want to funnel young kids on the fringe of this criminal activity into suitable programs and away from criminal activity," Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisano said.

The permanent operation is expected to run in three phases, with police reviewing progress after the first three months.

The operation has three phases, with the latter two being shaped by what happens in phase one.

The initial focus areas are Moree, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Taree and Newcastle.