Last update - 00:00 29/11/2007
Teen crime rate plummets despite high school strike
By Jonathan Lis, Haaretz Correspondent
Despite the ongoing high school strike, the teen crime rate has dropped in recent weeks, police sources said Wednesday.
From the beginning of the strike last month to 10 days ago teenage sex, property and violence crimes have dropped compared to the equivalent period last year, according to police figures.
Incidents of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm have dropped by 37 percent, property crimes have dropped by 27.53 percent and teen sex crimes have dropped by 22 percent.
During the strike, the police have cracked down on teen drug activity, leading to a 29 percent rise in drug-related cases among teenagers.
A police spokesman said the police were acting to stop alcohol sales to minors, an activity considered conducive to teen crime. Among other things police intend to close down kiosks and stores that sell alcoholic drinks to minors.