NCJ Number
218839
Date Published
July 2005
Length
27 pages
Annotation
Building on research knowledge of motor vehicle theft offenders, this report analyses juvenile apprehension history in Australia in an attempt to examine criminal career patterns and obtain a better understanding of juvenile motor vehicle theft offenders.
Abstract
Juvenile offenders account for around 4 out of every 10 vehicle theft related apprehensions in South Australia. The results of this study indicate that juvenile motor vehicle theft (MVT) offenders from the 1985 cohort have a number of distinguishing characteristics that provide useful information about their offending behavior. MVT offenders were relatively young at the time of their first event. In addition, a substantial proportion of juvenile MVT offenders were Indigenous. The results do not support the assertion that motor vehicle thieves are more likely to graduate to more serious offenses. Lastly, the large number of events recorded by the MVT offenders described demonstrates the importance of attempting to reduce the number of juveniles committing motor vehicle offenses. Programs incorporating the distinguishing characteristics of MVT offenders are more likely to successfully divert these young offenders away from a criminal career and reduce the incidence and cost of vehicle theft. Despite enjoying substantial reductions in motor vehicle theft in recent years, Australia still has one of the highest rankings for vehicle theft in the world. South Australia’s theft ranking has declined over time and is now the highest ranking for motor vehicle theft in the country. Research in South Australia has indicated that on an annual basis juveniles account for approximately 40 percent of apprehensions for MVT. To investigate the nature of this seemingly high level of involvement of young people in vehicle theft, this study focused on a cohort of individuals born in 1985, who came into contact with the criminal justice system. Tables, figures, references