Youth Crime Age To Remain At 16

The New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA Inc.) is urging the Government not to raise the age of Youth Court to 17.

Some of the crimes committed by today’s youth are very serious and heinous in nature. Recent statistics show that the youth crime is increasing day by day. The New Zealand Indian Central Association President Bhikhu Bhana said that the youth committing these crimes need to realise that these crimes can turn into habits which can lead to serious offending at later stages of life.

We are very much concerned as the crime among the youth is increasing. In order to voice our concerns, the New Zealand Indian Central Association is organising a petition and submitting it to the Minister of Justice and Courts.

The New Zealand Indian Central Association applauds and supports the Government’s initiatives on youth education and training as well as induction of 60 additional Police Officers on New Zealand Roads. However, some more additional Police Officers are required to look into the crime as the New Zealand population has grown up considerably.

Increasing the youth trial age will only exacerbate issues at hand. The need is for us to take steps as communities to address the issues so as to direct time and energy of our youth towards their positive growth.

We urge the Government not to raise the age of youth court to 17 and also urge to increase further the Police force numbers.

ENDS

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