BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — We're taking a closer look at an ongoing problem affecting Amherst residents and what's being done to address it.
Amherst Police arrested four teenagers Sunday after a report of a stolen vehicle on Noel Drive. Two 15-year-olds, a 16-year-old, and a 17-year-old were all charged with criminal possession of stolen property. According to police, one of those teenagers was allegedly involved in six other thefts.
Amherst Police have reported 162 stolen cars so far this year, with the community poised to match or exceed last year's total of 283 stolen vehicles.
WATCH: 'If you see something, say something': Amherst police warn of rising car thefts
"They're on the path of becoming serious criminals," former Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said. "You want to stop them before they get too far down the path."
Flynn emphasized that early intervention is key to redirecting troubled youth. He explained how the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition Program uses a three-phase system to work with young offenders.
"If they completed all three of the other parts of that series, then at the end of the day, I would either dismiss the case, outright, or I would reduce it and give him a plea depending on the facts of the case," Flynn said.
Youth outreach organizations like Back to Basics Ministries offer connection and support through their Peacemakers Program, which works to reduce youth violence.
"Organized services and in terms of providing instruction, we have people come in to talk to them about music, to talk to them about what the legal law looks like, talk to them about constructive ideas," President and CEO of Back to Basics Outreach Ministries, Pastor James Giles, said.
WATCH: 'Focus on these kids': Addressing ongoing teen vehicle thefts in Amherst
Pastor Giles believes it all starts with parents or guardians taking responsibility at home. However, when that support system fails, Flynn points to school resource officers.
"If you've got a problem in school, you've probably got a problem outside of school, most likely," Flynn said. "The DA's office worked hand in hand with the Buffalo Public School systems and the Buffalo Police Department. All three entities came together to again focus on these kids."
Senator Patrick Gallivan, former Erie County Sheriff, provided a statement addressing the challenges in the juvenile justice system:
"Unfortunately, in recent years changes have been made to NY's criminal justice laws that tend to favor offenders over law abiding citizens. Police and prosecutors are more limited in their ability to hold people accountable for their actions. Nowhere is this more evident than in cases involving juveniles. Too often, individuals believe there are no serious consequences and continue to commit crime. We must change this system for the sake of our communities."
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
