Lithuanian Deputy Police Chief: Juvenile Crime Situation Stable

The overall situation concerning juvenile crime in Lithuania is "more or less stable," according to the deputy police commissioner, Mindaugas Draudvila. Speaking after an inter-agency meeting on preventing juvenile violence and crime, Draudvila noted that while juvenile crime saw a slight increase in 2024-2025, the first half of 2026 showed a roughly 10% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year.

Juveniles currently account for only about 4% of all suspected offenders. The vast majority of these are males, making up 91% of juvenile suspects, while females constitute about 9%. Most of these young offenders are still attending general education institutions.

Draudvila highlighted that the causes of juvenile delinquency are varied, ranging from long-term bullying to other social issues. He pointed out that many young people who commit offenses are below the age of criminal responsibility, which is generally 16, though it can be lowered to 14 in exceptional cases. Risky behavior often starts earlier, around age 13.5.

"Actions and work with minors should be done before that," Draudvila stated, emphasizing the need for parental and school involvement in prevention. Police efforts include community outreach, lectures in schools and kindergartens on safety, and a questionnaire for parents to help assess concerning behavior. The meeting at the Ministry of Social Security and Labour included representatives from various ministries and institutions involved in child protection.