25 Feb 2012

Accountability wanted from parents of young criminals

7:59 am on 25 February 2012

Police in Whangarei are calling for new ways to make parents of young criminals accountable for their actions.

Inspector Paul Dimery says a gang aged from 12 - 17 years, has been plaguing the city, committing 130 serious offences, including arson and aggravated robberty.

He says most of the children are dealt with in the Youth Court, but it's evident their parents lack the will or the skill to rein them in.

Gang member Jordon Herewini, 17, was this week sentenced to prison for two years and nine months, for the armed robbery of a service station in Whangarei.