The crime situation among youth was discussed in the Vitebsk region

Why do representatives of the "next" generation cross the line of the law, what are the consequences of their actions, which links in the system of preventive work with them fail? These aspects were discussed at a joint meeting of the regional coordination council for control over the implementation of Decree No. 18 and the commission for juvenile affairs of the regional executive committee.

The names of difficult teenagers often appear in police reports and even court sentences. "Last year, in completed criminal cases, teenagers were charged with committing 285 crimes, and in 2014 - 268," stated Alexander Rukol, head of the public order and prevention department of the Internal Affairs Directorate of the regional executive committee, adding that the issue of teenagers committing unlawful acts while intoxicated is particularly acute.

Often, they copy the antisocial behavior of their parents who abuse alcohol. The constant tension and expectation that the anger of a drunken parent may fall on them at any moment forces minors to seek attention among peers, who sometimes negatively influence them. Joining such an environment, guys often taste the "forbidden fruit" for company. In a dazed state, without realizing the full weight of responsibility, they take serious unlawful steps.

— hooliganism, vehicle theft, causing bodily harm. They go "on a mission" independently, and adults instigate them, using the boys' psychological instability and playing on their feelings. They also commit group crimes, the level of which remains high in the Pridvinye region.

Illegal drug trafficking leaves a dark mark on the biographies of minors. Despite a slight increase in crimes in this area last year compared to 2014 – from 35 to 36 cases – the problem remains relevant in our region. There has also been an increase in recidivist crimes involving teenagers. Among the positive facts are that no increase in grave and especially grave crimes has been allowed, and no robberies have been recorded.

Analyzing the crime situation among youth, Alexander Rukol noted the insufficient work of educational institutions in identifying offenses and crimes committed by teenagers. In schools, colleges, and lyceums, teenagers become involved in property crimes – such as theft of items from wardrobes and locker rooms. The meeting also emphasized the necessity and importance of a well-established mechanism for promptly informing interested authorities about students' problems. If one does not react to a violation in time, if one does not explain to a child the perniciousness of not obeying the law, one can foster a sense of impunity in them, which will lead to more serious consequences. This thought was expressed by the senior assistant prosecutor of the region, Anton Volkov.

Among the main reasons for the increase in juvenile delinquency is the idleness of young people prone to antisocial behavior.Participants of the discussion, exchanging views, identified measures that should be taken by responsible services for organizing summer employment of children, various forms of leisure and recreation, and employment. Summing up the meeting, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee Vladimir Terentyev emphasized that every child should be under supervision, and for this, prevention entities should maximally use the arsenal of various measures and methods. The main thing in preventive work is to reach every teenager, to participate in his fate, showing life in bright colors, and then positive changes will surely come.

Olga BULAVKA, "Vitebskiye vesti".