Ten of children serving time in prison last year were convicted of murder

The number of offences committed by minors in 2009 fell by 3% on 2008, while the number of serious crimes decreased by 23%. Most often, the minors commit thefts and robberies, Info-Prim Neo reports, quoting the National Bureau of Statistics. A number of 477 minors were convicted last year, which is 6.2% of the total number of persons condemned (7,700). Most of the crimes were committed by persons aged 16-17. Thirty-three children served time in jail last year, including six girls. Ten of the minors were convicted of murder. Statistics show over 400 crimes are committed against children every year. Twelve children were killed in Moldova in 2009. 170 children died in road accidents during the last five years.