Student crime statistics in Johor see sharp 80% decline from 2019

JOHOR BARU: On average, 19 students aged between 13-18 were arrested for criminal activities in the state each month this year - a huge drop from 2019's 102-per-month statistics.

According to Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, most of them were detained for index crimes including theft, vehicle theft, breaking and entering, rape, causing hurt, and robbery.

He said 1,230 students were arrested in 2019 while the number dropped to 601 last year.

Speaking at the launch of the Modul Kesedaran Jenayah Kanak Kanak dan Remaja (Mekar) at UTM here on Monday (April 19), Comm Ayob Khan said that the police have nabbed 77 students so far this year, 95% of them boys.

He explained that the number of crimes involving students had seen a downward trend in the past three years owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and awareness programmes.

He added that most of the students involved in crime or who become victims of crime were between 13 and 18 years old.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad launched Mekar, which is a programme to raise awareness about crimes committed by children and youngsters.

Mekar was jointly developed by the police and UTM, and is expected to be expanded to schools statewide.