The number of juvenile arrests in Vicksburg this year has topped the total for all of 2008, and might double before the year ends.

“Right now, the juvenile crime rate is unbelievable,” said Sgt. Randy Blake, head of the Vicksburg Police Department Youth Division. “Believe it or not, juvenile crimes are becoming more serious.”

Blake, in his role for two years, said 49 percent — nearly half — of the crimes in the city are traced to youths.

So far, the city has recorded 424 arrests of people younger than 18, surpassing the 2008 total of 395, and 304 in 2007.

With nearly four months to go in 2009, Lt. Bobby Stewart, head police investigator said, “it’s possible” the number will double in a year.

The higher rate was first noted in May when 71 teens had been arrested, including four in a string of armed robberies, several of which included physical attacks.

The months of June and July, when students were on break from school, held steady at 54 and 45 teen arrests, respectively.

Officials were hoping the number of arrests would decrease when classes started Aug. 4, but August matched June with another 54 arrests.

Since Aug. 1, about one in five teens arrested face  felony charges such as aggravated assault, robbery and burglary, for which they can be prosecuted as adults.

Otherwise, criminal charges against teens are handled confidentially by Warren County Youth Court.

Most arrests last month were for theft, with 23 in the larceny category. Others ranged from trespassing to resisting arrest.

In Warren County, the number of juvenile arrests are fewer.

As of August, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department recorded 75 teen arrests. In 2008, 103 arrests were recorded, and 119 in 2007.

Sheriff Martin Pace said his department hasn’t seen a large increase or decrease in number of teens arrested over the three-year period, calling the totals “pretty steady.”

Nevertheless, Pace said, “I think one child in trouble is one too many. It’s heartbreaking and frustrating to see young people go through bad decisions.”

Blake said the majority of the crimes such as residential burglaries and thefts are being committed during school hours, despite a daytime citywide curfew and mandatory school attendance laws.

School resource officer Cleon Butler said students who get suspended from school as a disciplinary action might have the time and opportunity to commit the daytime crimes. But as far as student offenses in local schools, he said, “So far, we haven’t had too many issues or thefts.”

Police Chief Walter Armstrong said the community needs to help by reinforcing productive activities for teens, which certain organizations have developed.

“I want the whole community to be involved,” said Armstrong. “We live in a different time now where kids are influenced by TV and other kids who are behaving badly. When I talk to young people, I tell them the decision they make today will ultimately decide what kind of lifestyle they will have.”

City curfew laws say students must be in homes by 10 p.m. weeknights and by midnight Fridays and Saturdays.

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Contact Manivanh Chanprasith at mchan@vicksburgpost.com