juvenile delinquency and crime

In Austria, especially Upper Austria

youth crime In Upper Austria: age 14-18 in 2003-2004

4435-4808, 2005: 4588, in the first half of 2007: 2875 criminal acts

In Austria: in the last 5 years from 7001 to 13714 criminal acts; stealing (+305%), burglary (+126%), scraps (+123%), vandalism (+86%), physical injuries (+68%)

especially in big cities

youth delinquent law- for whom? children: under 14, not responsible, young teenagers: 14-18, responsible but

punishment not as strict as for adults young adults: 18-21, youth court decides if

they should be punished by youth law or adult penalty law

punishment

For lower criminal acts: nothing if the parents do enough to prevent

more, or the teenager talks to a youth leader

social work fine up to 200 or 300 €

punishment

For higher criminal acts Instead of 10-20 years in prison, only 6

months to 10 years, until 17: 15 years All other prison sentences get halved Fines get halved, only as much as youth

can pay on his own without hindering his/her progress