Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)ANDALUCIA is reeling from a youth crime surge.
As well as an increase in racist attacks, the incidence of violent crime among young people has soared.
According to statistics released this week, there has been a 30 per cent increase in youths being tried by the courts in just three years.
The news comes as two under-age girls – aged just 12 and 13 – were gang-raped in two separate incidents last week, one in Cordoba, the other in Huelva.
Meanwhile a war between rival gangs in the Axarquia flared up again, leaving two men in hospital with stab wounds, one of whom had already been shot in May.
Malaga judge Manuel Caballero-Bonald recently confirmed that the number of attacks by young people resulting in injuries has increased dramatically in 2008 and 2009.
“These attacks are often so serious they constitute criminal offences,” he said.
“Many victims come from the hospital straight to the courts.”
The increase in violent crime was one of the main reasons why the authorities in Malaga recently banned outdoor drinking, known as the botellon.
A police source told the Olive Press: “What should be simple fights are turning into really vicious bloodbaths.”
Rise in youth court appearances
A lot of violence of rumanian people….
Don’t understand what the fuss is about! Sounds like a normal Saturday night in most British cities!
Yoof crime is the same as it has always been; it is just either not reported or is under-reported. If all of the crimes of youngsters were published, the entire OP would be full of stories. I know of three local deaths in my area that were not even reported widely, if at all.
Romanians are no more violent than other race btw – stop blaming them for all the ills of Spain.
Violent gang based crime IS relatively new to Spain – especially in Andalucia. The causes could be discussed for ever. What needs to be done is find a way to deal with it.
Juveniles should be dealt with as adults when they commit violent crime and penalties should be draconian. Otherwise Spain is going to the same way as the UK – and we wouldn’t want that, would we?