In a first, police, schools unite to kill juvenile crime

Last week, six children from reputed South Mumbai schools aged between 12 and 14 years were caught red-handed while stealing the logos of high-end cars. Their motive was to make quick money.u00a0This incident has worried the Mumbai police so much that they've launched a massive awareness campaign among parents and teachers to prevent juvenile crime. Senior officers have asked that some local officers called Community Police Inspectors deal with schools to sensitise teachers and parents. Community PIs have already chalked out plans to visit schools that come under their jurisdiction. The campaign (see box) may last a few weeks, police sources informed.u00a0Even though there are no figures to prove this, the police believe that the incident regarding the six students is just the tip of the iceberg. The students were let off with a warning, but their names are registered in special dossiers. The students told investigating officers that they wanted to buy a pair of jeans from the money they'd have made after selling the logos to a middleman who was later arrested. Some wanted to splurge in restaurants. The middleman told police that other students too were involved in the stealing of car logos, which were sold at Chor Bazaar for less than Rs 400 a piece. The logos are worth Rs 2,000 each.u00a0The act may seem petty now, but soon, these students will get involved in more serious offenses. The unusual pattern should be spotted in time and students should be referred for counselling, said a senior officer. The campaignAdditional Commissioner of Police (South Region) Dr K Venkatesham told MiD DAY that teachers and parents will be trained to look for unusual behaviour like students going on a shopping spree, spending lavishly in restaurants and indulging in a gamut of expensive activities. Community Police Inspectors will hold seminars, which will have the participation of parents and teachers from schools all over Mumbai.