LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) -- The Lafayette Police Department warns residents that the rate of juvenile vehicle thefts reported in 2024 is on pace to surpass incidents reported last year.

Sgt. Robin Green, public information officer for the Lafayette Police Department, said there have been 16 reported incidents so far. With still a few months left in 2024 and the rate at which these crimes have been reported, Green said it's possible that the year will end with more reported juvenile vehicle thefts than the 21 reported in 2023.

Green said these thefts are happening when opportunities present themselves.

From her research, she noticed the number one reason for these thefts is when people leave their cars unattended but still running.

"The second highest thing is besides people leaving them running unattended is family members, juveniles who are stealing vehicles from family members," Green said.

Green children as young as 13 are committing these crimes, but the most common age for these times of offenders is 14.

As the crime rate continues to rise, concern for the community increases.

Green said the children committing these car thefts are unaware of the consequences of their actions, saying many juveniles who commit these crimes have what police call "tombstone courage."

"Because they don't want to go to jail and they're willing to drive at excessive speeds just so they're not arrested, just to elude law enforcement and stuff," Green said.

"They're not thinking about long term what the repercussions could be, getting arrested, going to juvenile detention, possibly hurting or killing someone or possibly even taking your own life," she continued.

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