Number of juvenile crimes rising in Chisinau

Nine months into this year the number of crimes committed by or with the participation of minors in Chisinau rose 10% on the similar period last year. These crimes include four murders. Chisinau police chief Silviu Musuc told the City Hall's ordinary meeting on Monday that a total 150 of such crimes were registered, most of them being thefts and robberies. Minors were involved as victims in 200 other crimes. Svetlana Chifa, head of the municipal Child Protection Division, said that about 400 children in Chisinau are under the supervision of the Juveniles Inspectorate and division specialists are visiting them at home with questionnaires to identify the problems they are facing. Svetlana Chifa added that it would be good if the municipality opened a rehabilitation center for children who need specialized assistance. In her opinion, the leading factor of negative behaviors among minors is the parents' irresponsibility. Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca instructed the Education Division and the Child Protection Division to present a comprehensive report on violence among children, adding that new approaches should be looked for in working with minors with deviant behaviors.