Police say a string of violent and dangerous crimes allegedly committed by Ballarat teenagers in the past week is "extremely concerning".
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In the past two days, seven Ballarat teens have been charged with a host of serious offences, while two others were involved in a confronting car crash.
Three teenagers were allegedly involved in an aggravated burglary yesterday morning, before allegedly driving a stolen car at police and crashing in Ballarat.
A 14-year-old boy, a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl were allegedly involved.
In a separate incident, three girls - two aged just 13 - were charged over two alleged carjackings in South Yarra and Hawthorn last week. Police allege they were armed with a knife during the offending. They have been bailed but a 17-year-old boy has been remanded in custody.
Another teen, the alleged driver involved in a serious car crash in Delacombe on Monday night, could also face charges after he recovers from the injuries he sustained in the crash.
On Tuesday he remained in the Royal Melbourne Hospital and was listed as stable.
Acting Inspector Ben Young said police were frustrated at the amount of young offenders they were dealing with.
"From a police perspective the risk-taking behaviour we have seen, (puts) not just those involved, but police as well as the community, at higher risk which is extremely concerning," Acting Inspector Young said.
"The actions of the driver of the stolen vehicle who drove at a police vehicle on multiple occasions at excessive speed is extremely dangerous."
While the state opposition has condemned the "rolling door of crime sprees", the state government remained steadfast that its changes to bail laws in the state were working, even for youth offenders.
In a separate incident, two Ballarat boys aged 13 and 16 were also charged following an alleged aggravated burglary in Torquay.
In recent weeks, The Courier has also reported on a 13-year-old boy with 12 pending court matters who has been bailed four times, while another 14-year-old has been bailed 11 times in recent months.
Neither the state government nor the opposition could provide a response when asked whether they thought bail laws should be strengthened for recidivist youth offending.
Opposition police spokesman David Southwick said young offenders were showing "disdain" for the law.
"Continuing the revolving door of crime sprees and bail is failing the community," Mr Southwick said.
"These young thugs are showing disdain for the law, and are effectively running the streets and yet Daniel Andrews continues to deny that we have a youth crime problem, let alone take action."
Speaking to The Courier in July, Judge Amanda Chambers, President of the Children's Court, said there were very different considerations for the Court when making important decisions around bail and sentencing.
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The focus is on "child-specific considerations" and rehabilitation, with punishment less of a focus compared to adult courts.
"The first thing the law says when we're sentencing children is to support their relationship with their parents, to support their connection to their home, to support their ongoing engagement in education, and only if appropriate, to impose a sentence that will operate to send a message to that child that they are responsible for the consequences of their offending behaviour, and to protect the community," Judge Chambers explained.
"The Supreme Court has repeatedly said in relation to child offenders, and young offenders, that rehabilitation is the focus - it's of benefit not just to the child, but the community."
The State Government's Justice and Community Safety website says remand of young people should be considered as a last resort on the basis that it has; a stigmatising effect on young people; it enables them to make contact with other offenders allows the formation of criminal associations and networks; it places vulnerable young people at risk and; it reduces the opportunity for positive rehabilitation.
A spokesperson for Youth Justice and Corrections Minister Ben Carroll said he would not comment on specific cases.
"Stage one and Stage two of our bail reforms commenced last year, delivering on key recommendations made by Justice Paul Coghlan," Mr Carroll said.
"Under our changes, there is a presumption against bail for a greater number of serious and violent offences, including for accused children."
Acting Inspector Young said police were determined to provide better options for young offenders.
"Police are engaged and are working with our partner agencies to support our youth and encourage them to move away from crime and return to school, employment or community engagement," he said.
Anyone with information regarding any of the incidents in is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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