U.S. crime jump linked to juveniles

NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- The first increase in violent crimes in the United States in five years is being linked to more violence among juveniles, USA Today reported Thursday.

In Boston, weapons arrests involving youths rose 103 percent last year, and juvenile arrests for robbery rose 54 percent.

Other cities report similar problems, including Milwaukee, Minneapolis and Washington, the report said.

When the FBI reported the preliminary national statistics last month where the murder rate was up 4.8 percent and overall violent crime up by 2.5 percent, gang-related youth was cited as one factor.

Based on the first half of this year, Minneapolis police estimate juveniles will account for 63 percent of all suspects in violent and property offenses, up from 45 percent in 2002.

Tom Cochran of the U.S. Conference of Mayors told the newspaper there is a statistical mystery at play.

"Every 10 years, we seem to go through a cycle of violence," Cochran said. "Everybody is trying to figure this out."