Watching the news these days or talking to friends, the conversation will steer toward serious youth crimes and how we should deal with them because they do not seem to be abating anytime soon.
This year alone, we have seen on the news or read somewhere that youths are committing more and more crimes whether that involve robbing pharmacies, stabbing people, auto theft, swarming innocent bystanders and the list goes on on go.
Just this month alone youth were responsible for shooting a BB gun at a bus driver on Saturday evening of January 21st in Scarborough and today a different group of 10-15 youths boarded a TTC bus and attacked the TTC employees. This has to stop.
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of serious crimes committed by youth in Toronto. This trend is causing concern among residents, as victims are often left without proper recourse and their lives can be changed forever. In light of this, it is important to consider harsher punishments for serious youth crime in order to deter such behavior and protect victims and communities.
One of the main reasons for the rise in serious youth crime in Toronto is the increase in gang activity among young people. According to a report by the Toronto Police Service, there has been a significant increase in the number of youth-related shootings and homicides in the city in recent years, many of which have been linked to gang activity. This trend is particularly concerning as it can lead to a climate of fear and mistrust in communities, making it difficult for residents to feel safe in their own homes.
Another reason for the rise in serious youth crime in Toronto is the increasing availability of illegal firearms. According to the same report by the Toronto Police Service, there has been a significant increase in the number of firearms seized by law enforcement in recent years, many of which were found in the possession of young people. This trend is worrying as it suggests that young people are becoming increasingly involved in violent criminal activity and are more likely to use firearms in the commission of crimes.
The rise in serious youth crime in Toronto is also a result of a lack of adequate support and resources for at-risk young people. Many young people who commit serious crimes come from disadvantaged backgrounds and may have experienced trauma or other challenges in their lives. Without adequate support and resources, these young people may feel that they have no other option but to turn to crime.
The consequences of serious youth crime can be devastating for victims. For example, a young person who commits a violent crime may leave their victim with physical or emotional scars that will last a lifetime. Similarly, a youth who commits a serious property crime may leave their victim feeling violated and insecure in their own home. By punishing these crimes more harshly, we send a message that these types of behavior will not be tolerated and that victims will be protected.
Furthermore, harsher punishments for serious youth crime do not necessarily mean that young offenders should be punished in the same way as adults. There are a variety of alternative options, such as juvenile detention centers, that are specifically designed to meet the needs of young offenders. These centers often provide a range of educational and rehabilitation services that can help young people to turn their lives around and become productive members of society.
If we continue to deal with serious youth crimes with kid gloves we are harming them in the long term to be real productive members of society.
The rise in serious youth crime in Toronto is a cause for concern, as it can have a devastating impact on victims and communities.
While it is important to consider the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders, it is also important to recognize that harsher punishments may be necessary in order to deter such behavior and protect victims and communities.
By punishing these crimes more harshly, we send a message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that victims and communities will be protected.
