SHOCKING statistics show youth crime in Ballarat is at its highest rate in at least five years, with the number of alleged incidents involving young males increasing by 159 since 2014.
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Males aged 15-17 years were involved in 60 per cent of all alleged youth offences from October 2014 to September 2015, latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows. This data relates to the number of alleged offences, these do not necessarily result in convictions.
Females in this same age group were only involved in 13 per cent of all alleged recorded incidences. Nearly one in four alleged offences are linked to 10-14 year old males.
Males, aged 15-17 years are significantly over-represented. 481 15-17 year-old males were involved in recorded offences in 2015, up by 149. The number of alleged offences linked to males aged 10-17 was 630, more than double the number recorded in the demographically similar Bendigo.
Most of these youth were picked up for alleged theft, which made up nearly 48 per cent of the offences.
A total of 317 alleged thefts were recorded between October 2014 and September 2015, up from 161 the year prior. The number of alleged break and enters also rose from 81 to 101, the highest number recorded since at least 2010.
Nearby Bendigo recorded significantly less thefts, recording an 132 alleged youth offences from October 2014 to September 2015.
The number of youths picked up for alleged property damage has decreased from 139 to 112 since its October 2012- September 2013 peak. It is still significantly higher than that of Bendigo.
Youth related assaults in Ballarat are also declining, with the 2014-15 statistics the lowest in at least five years.
Ballarat Inspector Bruce Thomas said in a statement police were doing all they could to reduce crime – with an increased focus on early intervention a key to reducing the surge. Across the state, crime is down by 1483. In Ballarat the number of alleged youth offences has surged by 122 since September 2014. Inspector Thomas said police focused on ensuring young people were supported and referred to appropriate services.
“The prosecution of a child is regarded as a severe step,” Inspector Thomas said.
“Taking alternative action can be significantly more beneficial, unless the seriousness of the offence or the circumstances of the child dictate otherwise.”
