City on the problem of underage groups in Sigečica: 'Our powers are very limited, the key is prevention'

Residents and a local committee in Zagreb's Sigečica neighborhood have voiced long-standing concerns over groups of minors allegedly damaging property and disturbing the peace. The issue, which has persisted for nearly a year, involves incidents such as broken windows, vandalized playgrounds, and harassment of elderly residents.

In response to these complaints, Deputy Mayor Danijela Dolenec stated that while the city recognizes the complexity of juvenile delinquency, direct intervention with perpetrators is the responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior (MUP). "When it comes to juvenile delinquency and perpetrators already known to the police, it is under the jurisdiction of the MUP. Such cases occasionally appear in certain Zagreb districts, and our powers are very limited," she explained.

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When it comes to juvenile delinquency and perpetrators already known to the police, it is under the jurisdiction of the MUP. Such cases occasionally appear in certain Zagreb districts, and our powers are very limited.

Dolenec emphasized the city's focus on prevention, citing expanded capacities at the Luka Ritz institution, which now operates in two locations to cover eastern and western Zagreb. This institution, in collaboration with UNICEF, implements violence prevention programs in 26 primary schools. The city is also conducting a survey across all Zagreb schools and kindergartens to identify needs for additional professional support staff, such as psychologists and social pedagogues.

The deputy mayor also urged the media to contribute to calming the situation rather than escalating panic. She stressed the importance of restoring trust in institutions and allowing both the MUP and the city to perform their respective duties. "Problems should be taken seriously, but without creating additional panic," Dolenec concluded.

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Problems should be taken seriously, but without creating additional panic.