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Juveniles involved in crimes rise in 2004
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Posted on Jul 18 2005
The number of juveniles referred to the Juvenile Probation Unit for involvement in burglary and theft cases increased in 2004, based on recent statistics released by the agency.
JPU statistics showed that the total number of juveniles referred to the agency in 2004 reached 277, including 198 boys and 79 girls.
The total slightly increased from 2003’s 272, but was significantly lower when compared to the totals of the previous years: 479 in 2002, 485 in 2001, 472 in 2000, 429 in 1999, and 403 in 1998.
The 2004 total had the highest number of juveniles referred to the JPU for involvement in burglary and theft. The JPU statistics showed that there were some 28 juveniles referred to the agency for probation due to the commission of those crimes. The JPU separately classified 21 other juveniles as committing theft.
Except for 2001, which registered 33 individuals referred to the JPU for burglary and theft, the other years recorded fewer individuals involved in such offenses: 7 in 2003, 14 in 2002, 13 in 2000, 14 in 1999, and 15 in 1998.
No figures were available for the current year. However, at least four schools have already been burglarized during this year’s summer vacation, including Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Hopwood Junior High School, and Dandan Elementary School. Except for the Hopwood burglary, police consider the three other cases solved, after arresting mostly juveniles suspects.
Most of the juveniles referred for probation in 2004, whose total reached 62, committed infraction of the law by consuming alcoholic beverages. A total of 36 minors were referred to the JPU for curfew violation. A similar number of minors landed at the JPU’s facility after being arrested on court warrants.
The JPU said 34 juveniles were referred to it in 2004 for committing assault and battery, 24 for disturbing the peace, 19 for criminal mischief, 15 for truancy, 11 for illegal possession of a controlled substance, and nine for assault with a dangerous weapon.
