Law enforcement urges parents to help keep juvenile crime low this summer

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- With students spending more time out of the classroom, the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office is encouraging parents to help combat juvenile crime through open communication and early reporting.

While overall youth-related incidents have been trending downward in the city, according to 2024 statistics from the Buchanan County Juvenile Office, law enforcement says proactive community involvement remains crucial, especially during this time of year.

"A lot of it comes down to children who are bored, so they engage in property damage or end up in places they shouldn't be," said Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett. "It's the concept of idle hands. If you can find something constructive for youth to do, that's always the best decision during the summer. Guidance and supervision are what we need to be providing."

Despite the decrease in juvenile referrals last summer, offenses tended to be more violent.

Officials also warn, all crimes are punishable, regardless of the age of the person who committed them.

"Everybody needs to remember that a crime is a crime and parents can be held financially responsible for what their child does," Puett said. "For instance, if you're replacing multiple mailboxes, signs, or windows, or whatever the case may be, that bill can rack up quickly. The courts can award restitution for all those things, and then the parents have to step in and take care of it."

The department is also urging parents to take runaway youth reports seriously, as trafficking and child-related crimes remain a concern nationwide.

"It's important parents sit down and talk with their kids about safety, both online and in public, but the child also has to listen and be engaged," Puett said. "There's so much global crime and movement going on. With the amount of mobility in our society today, it doesn't take very long to get someone and move them across the state."

Officials said, enrolling children in summer programs and activities can help keep them busy and in a safe environment during the break.