Muscat: Oman has a witnessed a slight increase in the number of crimes committed by juveniles in 2015 compared to 2014, according to the Ministry of Social Development figures.
Figures showed that 506 juveniles committed crimes in 2015, compared to 423 crimes in 2014, while the number stood at 880 in 2010 and 2011. In 2012, the number of juveniles who committed crimes dropped to 668, while 457 juveniles committed crimes in 2013. In general, there is a steady drop in the number of juveniles in 2015, compared to 2010.
North Batinah topped other governorates in the number of juveniles in 2015, by 139 incidents, followed by Dhakliyah governorate by 73 cases, Muscat by 60 and South Batinah by 52 cases.
Theft topped the crimes committed by the juveniles, reaching 427, followed by inflicting harm with 110 crimes, sexual assault with 72 incidents, and sabotage with 53 cases.
Brawl cases registered 45 cases, insulting of dignity crimes with 36 cases, drug abuse at 34 cases, violating the cyber law with 29 cases, while traffic violations saw 25 cases and entering the country illegally registered 22 cases.
The age of the juveniles who committed crimes ranged between 10 and 17. Cases involving girls are very rare, according to the ministry.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Development urges all parents to focus on awareness campaigns about how to build a successful family, including the role of parents in raising their children and caring about them mostly in adolescence.
Ahmad Al Rawahi, a social worker, told Gulf News that bad company and not enough care by parents are the main reasons that drive young people to commit crimes.
“Parents have to watch their children and give them enough care and time, which will curb the number of crimes in the country,” said Al Rawahi.
An official at the Royal Oman Police told Gulf News that juvenile delinquents receive excellent care at both Samayil Central Prison and Muscat juvenile centre as well as rehabilitation and awareness programmes catering to juveniles.
The official added those juveniles are also allowed to continue their studies in prison.
