500 young offenders left unpunished 2010

FIVE hundred offending minors were set free without charges last year because they were under the age of 14.

Malaga’s Minors’ Prosecutor reports that in 2010, there were 5,158 crimes involving minors in the province, meaning that 10 per cent of them go without punishment because the offenders are too young to be arrested or charged.

The prosecutor points out that in most cases they are not serious crimes, and therefore, there is no reason for alarm.

Police agree that in most cases, the youths come from dysfunctional families and frequently miss school. In most cases, when the youngsters can’t be charged, there case will be observed and a follow-up carried out.

The prosecutors also explain that those affected by crimes committed by minors can defend their legal rights.

In most cases, the youngsters are fully aware that they can’t be charge and take advantage of the situation to commit robberies and acts of vandalism, in most cases, they do not repeat the offence.

There are also those who are used by older criminals to help with the crime because they are aware that they are untouchable, and are made to take part in robberies and burglaries.

Others however, commit crimes without punishment until the age of 14, but once they pass that age, they continue their criminal career. There is currently a debate regarding whether the age should be dropped to 12.