Number of sex assaults and bank robberies by juveniles on the rise

Reported juvenile crime continues to fall — but an increasing proportion of offending children are not suitable for a system which diverts minors away from the criminal courts.

While the bulk of recorded crimes is reducing, particularly in theft and public order categories, some specific offences are increasing — including sexual assault, bank or post office robberies, and the sale of drugs.

The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme report for 2013 shows a 15% decline in the number of offences referred to it, to 20,536 offences.