By Alana Mitchelson
TEEN crime gangs are recruiting members as young as 12 years old as new statistics show that youth crime rates have soared.
However police say education has turned young people away from drugs as they realise how their health and future employment can be affected.
New crime statistics reveal that youth crime has soared significantly in Cardinia shire over the past 12 months, with authorities blaming the rise in young recidivist offenders.
Figures show teenage offenders aged 15 to 19 committed 46 burglaries – more than four times last year’s recorded incidents.
Girls were responsible for about one in five offences committed by those aged 10-17, according to Crime Statistics Agency data.
It is believed that youth gangs are recruiting members as young as 12 years old.
Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said that while youth crime had increased, so had the success of local police in identifying and charging teen offenders.
“The increase in youth crime surprised me a bit. It’s a concern. It’s disappointing to see the number of recidivism offenders because young offenders are often released on bail,” Sen Sgt Stanley said.
“Youth tend to congregate; I think that’s part of growing up. But while some gather to join something positive like a sport club, others group for less socially pleasing activities.
“With population growth comes the good and the bad. It means we’re going to have to focus more on engaging with youth and building connections with youth agencies in our network to ensure we can make the appropriate referrals.
“But youth agencies have been active in helping ID offenders. CCTV is also becoming more prevalent in private houses and we’re able to use that to assist investigations.”
While young Cardinia offenders were found to be committing more assaults and property damage offences, drug offences dropped 41 per cent since last year among teenagers aged 15 to 19.
“I think education has played a large part in reducing the number of youth drug offences,” Sen Sgt Stanley said.
“People are more aware of the vulnerabilities and consequences of drug use and the importance not only on their health but in reducing opportunities for them to be employed.”
