When summer approaches, the residents turn to youth crime

The residents of Baltimore are concerned about a recent increase in youth criminal. Many fear that the situation will deteriorate when summer is approaching.

“It's sad, but it's unhappy, but it is something like everyone has to be aware of,” said a resident and reflected a feeling that many shared in the community.

Read also | Baltimore Smoke Shop was robbed twice by the same teenagers

Last Monday, the police arrested a 15-year-old because he had robbed and kidnapped a 12-year-old in East Baltimore. The teenager reported a knuckle monitor at the time of crime. “At home monitoring, and the children are still going out there to commit crime. I don't see the meaning of a house monitor,” said another resident.

On the same day, the police reported that a 15-year-old shot a 16-year-old in the Southeast Baltimore. “It's crazy. How, you just don't care.

With the summer around the corner, many fear that the youth crime will escalate. “Of course it gets worse. Hella will get worse,” said a affected citizen and pointed out what they see as a lack of consequences for young criminals. “Let your mother pick you up and go and do the same,” she added.

Read also | Teen about electronic monitoring arrested by kidnapping, robbery of the 12-year-old in Baltimore

The Baltimore police have described a plan to ensure public security, which includes improved police presence in important entertainment areas such as the city center, which Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Federal Hill. “BPD has a broad plan to ensure public security,” said a police spokesman.

However, this plan has not relieved any concerns for some business owners.

A business owner in the city center reported that his business was robbed twice by the same group of young people in the same week.

“They came in, he said, uh Buddy, you can't come in if you wear the hoodie or the mask, remove your mask. Show me your ID and start beating it,” he said.

The police arrested a 15-year-old in connection with these robberies, but three teenagers remain at large. The residents believe that the situation will not improve without real changes to the youth laws. “You know that nothing will happen,” said a resident. “They are just outside and do nothing, don't help us, the citizens of Baltimore City,” they added.

When the city's youth exit guideline came into force last Friday at midnight, the residents hope to contain the increasing flood of youth crime.