Story: Youth offenders

Police apprehensions of 14–16 year olds, by offence type, 2007

Police apprehensions of 14–16 year olds, by offence type, 2007

Most offences committed by young people are not serious, and are less likely to involve violence than those committed by adults. Most police apprehensions of young people are for offences against property (burglary, theft, motor vehicle conversion, arson, wilful damage and other miscellaneous offences).  As this graph shows, over half of the apprehensions of youths in 2007 were for this type of offence. Most violent offences were for grievous, serious or minor assault. Offences against good order include disorderly behaviour, trespass and possession of an offensive weapon. Offences against justice include breaching community service and escaping custody. Offences against other persons are non-violent sexual offences, obstruction or resistance, and intimidation.

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How to cite this page:

Gabrielle Maxwell, 'Youth offenders - Youth offenders: who, what and why', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/graph/26582/police-apprehensions-of-14-16-year-olds-by-offence-type-2007 (accessed 26 April 2024)

Story by Gabrielle Maxwell, published 5 May 2011, updated 1 Aug 2017