America is in the midst of a crime wave. Every four seconds thieves take something that does not belong to them. A burglary is committed every nine seconds. A car is stolen every 30 seconds. A robbery is attempted every 59 seconds. Juveniles commit many of these thefts.
Juvenile theft is a common form of delinquent behavior that most children participate in at least once. For the majority of juveniles, theft is merely an isolated incident. For a smaller population of juveniles, theft is a part of "fitting in" with a peer group, and will be "outgrown" by young adulthood. For a very small percentage of these delinquent youth, theft is a central part of a developing criminal lifestyle, and they may continue to steal or commit other illegal activities as adults. Many of these chronic delinquents will end up in jail or prison.
Juvenile theft is usually an early indicator of other problems. It is a symbolic way by which some juveniles display their unhappiness and insecurity. Most children know that theft is wrong. Nonetheless, they commit this wrongful act because it is a way of openly expressing their confusion and discontentment. They do not yet have the maturity to handle these problems in less impulsive and healthier ways.
Experts in the field of crime and delinquency are concerned about the high rate of juvenile participation in illegal activity. They realize that a variety of problems help to account for why so many young people break laws and exhibit destructive behaviors. Most experts agree that difficulties within the family are a root cause of childhood behavioral problems: separation and divorce, domestic violence, abuse and neglect. They also note the many social problems that can influence antisocial behaviors: peer pressure, poverty and escapism through alcohol and other drugs. The issue is not only determining the causes of juvenile delinquency, but also discovering how to prevent it and reduce its negative affect on young people and society.
Theft is one of the first delinquent acts juveniles commit. Young children tend to begin stealing at or near home by taking objects or money from family members, friends, neighbors or local stores. Juveniles who continue to steal, and who do not receive help in resolving their problems, can develop a negative pattern of behavior that may grow worse and result in more frequent and more serious delinquent acts.
It is important that parents, professionals and concerned citizens realize the dangerous implications of juvenile theft. Juveniles who continue a pattern of theft tend to become involved in other, more serious delinquent behaviors. In turn, the longer their delinquent behaviors persist, the more difficult they are to resolve. An important approach to helping these children overcome their problems involves early identification and intervention. Timely and appropriate intervention is important to helping these children resolve their problems and cease their delinquent behaviors.
