There’s a belief the economic climate is to blame for more youths fronting court over criminal charges. 

The Ministry of Justice's annual criminal convictions and sentencing statistics reveal more than 1,700 youths between 10 and 17 years of age had charges finalised in court. 

It found theft was the most common offence type. 

Youth Development worker Aaron Hendry told Ryan Bridge a key driver is poverty, and the Government's policies are creating an environment where these crimes would increase. 

He says more young people are being pushed into hardship, so it's not surprising to see the data. 

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