GEORGE TOWN, April 8 — Crime statistics involving juvenile offenders from January 1 to April 6 has risen by 231 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year.
Penang police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi said the spike from 29 to 96 cases was cause for worry as it include crimes committed by school students.
“Based on statistics, adolescents aged 15 to 18 form the largest group involved in criminal activities after influenced by friends and pursuing a luxury lifestyle,” he said after opening a crime prevention programme for Penang secondary schools at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), here today.
Also present were Penang Education director Datuk Ahmad Tirmizi Kamarudin and Penang Crime Prevention Foundation chairman Datuk Syed Jaafar Syed Ali.
Abdul Rahim said the students were often involved in gangsterism and a few of them were involved with robbery gangs and also recruited for other crimes.
Of the total, 61 cases were related to personal belongings compared to 14 cases last year while 35 violent crimes cases were recorded this year compared to 15 cases last year.
“Criminal cases, especially those involving violence occurred in and outside the schools. The police need the cooperation of all parties to curb them, he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Tirmizi said school crime prevention clubs (KPJ) would be re-activated with more effective activities to create awareness about crime prevention.
“So far, 128 schools in Penang have set up KPJ. I believe that the formation of KPJ in all schools will help the police to gather information and work together in tackling crimes involving students.” — Bernama
