Juvenile crims go it alone

But crime going down

THE number of Geelong children accused of a crime has dropped almost 30 per cent in the past five years, according to data released by the Crime Statistics Agency.

The number of children in our region accused of crime has fallen from 239 in 2012 to 171 in 2016.

The agency says 538 children aged between 10 and 17 were accused of a crime across Greater Geelong between 2013 and 2015.

Of offences involving youths across the state, 27.6 per cent involved more than one offender last year — down from 37.2 per cent in 2007.

But CSA research shows children are increasingly acting alone.

Figures show 56.1 per cent of offenders across Victoria aged 10-17 committed at least one offence with another person last year — down from 62.6 per cent a decade ago.

However, youth criminals remain more likely to offend with their peers than adults.

CSA figures show of 6819 young offenders recorded last year, 3828 were co-offenders.

Robbery, burglary, public nuisance offences, arson and theft were the most likely crimes committed in groups.

Youths were less likely to commit serious assaults and motor vehicle thefts in company.

Almost two-thirds of boys offended with others compared with 52 per cent of girls.

The agency also examined whether more first-time young criminals were being recorded for serious crimes.

Chief statistician Fiona Dowsley said the number of youths committing crimes against the person was stable over the last five years while those involved in property and deception crimes significantly decreased.

More than 70 per cent of child criminals co-offended with other young people.

About 30 per cent of felons aged 18-24 committed crimes with others.