City constabulary concerned over increase in youth criminal activities

Mar 10, 2019 News

The City Constabulary is concerned over a growing number of juveniles committing criminal acts in and around the municipal markets.
Officials attached to the City Constabulary, admitted recently, at a press briefing that the City is facing challenges as it finds more juveniles committing criminal acts.
“What we are finding now is that a number of crimes are being committed by the youth. The pick pockets and phone snatchers particularly at the Stabroek Market are under 18 years. Some of them are even in their school uniform.”
Chief Constable Andrew Foo noted, that the constabulary in working with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) ensures that the arrest and processing of Juveniles are done in keeping with the Juvenile Justice laws.
“These laws provide for proper system to hold minors… their well-being is paramount whenever the authorities make decisions on offering rehabilitation, reintegration and education for juveniles.
The Act sees the involvement of parents in the cases of juveniles as pertinent for the advancement of a better society. Akin to this, the Juvenile Justice Bill seeks to hold juveniles accountable for their actions by measures that reemphasize respect for societal values.
The criminal capacity of the law presumes that no child under the age of fourteen be deemed capable or guilty of committing an offence. Consequently, the attorney representing the child will request that an evaluation be done, assessing the child’s social, emotional and cognitive development.
The act repeals the 1931 Juvenile Offenders Act and the Training School Act.
Last week, members of the Constabulary joined the Guyana Police Force to conduct a sting operation at the Stabroek Market. This was done in light of the numerous complaints about illegal activities and constant robberies in and around the market.
Police ranks were stationed at the entrances to the market while the operation was carried out. The police also had sniffer dogs assisting in the search even as the police prison truck was parked a short distance away.
The operation also saw searches being done at the Ferry Stelling area and route 31, 32, 40, 41, and 44 minibus parks.
During the search, a quantity of marijuana seeds amounting to 128 grams and 561 grams of cannabis were found.
The operation resulted in 13 persons being arrested in relation to several offences.

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