Juvenile crimes down in Oman - thanks to government

Muscat: Oman witnessed a 22.2 per cent drop in the number of crimes committed by juveniles in 2017 compared to 2016, according to Public Prosecution figures.
Statistics report 848 juveniles committing crimes in 2017, compared to 1,090 in 2016, with juvenile crimes standing at 506 in 2015, compared to 423 crimes in 2014.
Awareness programmes targeting parents have helped stem the rise, according to officials.
In 2012, the number of juveniles who committed crimes was 668, while 457 juveniles broke the law in 2013.
As many as 750 of these juveniles were Omanis, while the remaining 98 were expatriates. Also, officials reported that 792 offenders were males and 56 were females.
Dhofar topped the governorates in the number of crimes committed by juveniles in 2017, registering 151 incidents.
Dakhliyah second
It was followed by Dakhliyah governorate, which saw 129 cases, North Batinah with 70 cases and North Sharqiyah with 67 cases. South Sharqiyah registered 57 cases and South Batinah saw some 33 cases. Wusta recorded no juvenile crimes and Musandam registered a single case.
Theft topped the crimes committed by juveniles, with as many as 322 reported.
This was followed by inflicting harm, with 73 cases, instances of insulting of dignity numbered 48, and 37 cases of sexual assault were recorded.
Also, there were 24 traffic violations by minors and 22 violations of cyber laws.
Ministry of Social Development officials urged all parents to focus on awareness campaigns that assist in building successful families, including those focusing on the role of parents in raising their children and caring for them in adolescence.
“Bad company and inadequate care by parents are the main reasons that drive young people to commit crimes. These are among the main reasons as to why juveniles are committing crimes,” a family affairs expert at the ministry said.
Kids in rehab
An official at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) told the Times of Oman that juvenile delinquents receive excellent care at rehabilitation centres.
“They are taken care of at both Samail Central Prison and the Muscat juvenile centre, as well as in rehabilitation and awareness programmes catering to juveniles. Those juveniles are also allowed to continue their studies in prison,” an ROP official said.
“When we receive a report about juvenile delinquents, we act according to the Juvenile Accountability Law and refer a child back to his parents, guardians and relatives or, in worst case scenarios, bring the child to the Juvenile Care Centre”, added the ROP official.