Teens Driving Crime Up in Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The rate of robberies are soaring in Baltimore. Police report it's a big jump from last year, and they say it's teens driving up those numbers.

Baltimore police tell WJZ it is a 171% spike compared to last year.  Teens and young adults make up the majority of the suspects in these robberies, with ages ranging from 16 to 24. And many of them, have no prior record.

"Even when we make an arrest, another group of juveniles will engage in the same behavior," said Major Kimberly Burrus, Baltimore Police Dept.

18-year-old Zannay Laws and Dakei Perry were captured earlier this month. Police say they are responsible for attacking a 64-year-old man in Wyman Park Dell. Laws and Perry are charged for stabbing the man, stealing his cash and other belongings, while another suspect was streaming it on Facebook.

While the rate of crime has gone up, police say they have been able to track down these suspects a lot better, making nearly 20 percent more juvenile arrests compared to last year.

"We know what we put in place is working for us, following the patterns and geographical areas, but the suspect we develop base on their motives," said Major Burrus.

From street robberies to carjacking -- it's a citywide problem that Baltimore leaders are also working to combat.

"We need to figure out who they are, and get to their families, get to them, get to their schools, and talk them down from this kind of behavior because it's dangerous," said Mary Pat Clarke, Baltimore City Council.

It's a disturbing trend that impacts everyone.

"It's not good for them and its not good for the general public," said Councilwoman Clarke.

For the teens who use a weapon in these robberies, many times are charged as an adult.

Overall, robberies in Baltimore are up 12 percent from last year.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook