While the frequency at which crimes are committed in the Sultanate stands around one in every 25 minutes, crime rate and the number of offenders reached three and five per thousand, respectively.
Of the total number of 20,797 crimes, 38.9 per cent of the offences are committed by youth in the age group 18 to 29 years. This is the largest proportion of crimes among adults.
According to a report by National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), among the offenders, the highest percentage of violations was in the category of breaking laws and regulations.
The perpetrators of crimes against funds constituted 22.5 per cent of the total number of offenders.
At the same time, the report pointed out that many of the crimes, including financial fraud and breaking laws, are committed by youngsters in the age group nine to 29 years.
According to experts, the rising crime rate among youngsters is a matter of serious concern.
“It is true that in many cities around the world, the crime rate among youngsters has increased as a result of behavioural changes in them. This needs to be addressed first,” says Dr Ahmed al Sinawi, senior consultant psychiatrist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital.
The support of parents in particular and the society in general is probably the most important factor that can help youngsters refrain from committing crimes, he says.
Peer pressure is a common reason behind the increase in the rate of juvenile crimes. Studies have revealed that teens who are friends with criminals are more likely to end up becoming criminals themselves.
According to NCSI, adults in the age group nine to 17 years accounted for 3.6 per cent of offences. Of this, 52.3 per cent were found to have committed crimes relating to money.
“Youngsters usually begin with petty crimes like theft to meet their daily expenses, but with the passage of time, they keep falling deeper and deeper into the life of crime. This is one of the reasons for them engaging in financial fraud,” says Dr Al Sinawi. Perpetrators of drugs and alcohol-related crimes accounted for 3.5 per cent of the total number of culprits.
In the category of offences in appearance and morality, the perpetrators constitute 2.2 per cent of the total number of offenders. This category includes 23.1 per cent prostitution, 20.8 adultery and 6.8 per cent public scandals.
The violations of Weapons and Ammunition Law saw the least number of crimes, with 0.6 per cent of the total number of offenders.
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