POLICE and magistrates have expressed their frustration in recent years over the laws relating to juvenile offenders.

And little wonder when we look at the case of a 16-year-old youth who appeared before Hyndburn Youth Court this week.

He was accused of 17 offences, including burglaries, motor crime, criminal damage and assault and remanded into the care of the local authority with a condition he observed a curfew between 7pm and 9am.

Because suitable accommodation could not be found within Lancashire he remained at home. And in the early of the next morning he was found in Whalley where he is suspected of committing a crime while out on bail. This shambolic situation is blamed on the way the law is structured and lack of finance.

It is little wonder then, that we frequently come across teenagers who are habitual offenders but who cock a snook at the law of the land.

The nearest secure unit to East Lancashire is in Blackpool. And if that is full the youth justice team is not allowed to send juveniles out of the county because of financial restraints.

The youngsters are sent home and only limited support can be given at night.

In the light of this no one should be surprised that juvenile crime is on the increase. Funds must be made available to provide secure accommodation for the likes of youngsters who blatantly ignore curfews. They are being encouraged to continue their fledgling criminal careers.

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