The number of young girls and boys found guilty of committing violent crimes has fallen considerably in recent years, according to a new report from the Justice Ministry.
Last year, just 65 girls and 311 boys aged 15-17 were convicted of committing a violent crime, way down from the 169 girls and 734 boys that were found guilty in 2007.
“The good news that youth crime has been waning over the past ten years is an important point in the new report,” Karen Hækkerup, the justice minister, said in a press release.
“Recently, we’ve heard some grim stories about violent girl gangs. These specific cases are completely unacceptable and terrible, but actually young girls are being convicted of violence far more rarely than before.”
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Prevention is critical
The crime statistics (here in Danish) also revealed that the age group 15-17 is now the fourth most criminal age group, compared to 2004 when they were second. Now, the age groups 18-20, 21-24 and 25-29 lead the way.
But there is still room for improvement, particularly in terms of prevention, according to Hækkerup, who has decided to strengthen the area.
“Using pooled funds, we have strengthened the preventative efforts for young people who display troubling behaviour and set aside money for a network consultation in councils for young people who are suspected of committing serious crimes,” Hækkerup said.
