Teen Crimes Rising In Vicksburg

Vicksburg police are worried about a disturbing crime trend in their community. 
More teens are breaking the law.
In fact, the number of arrests has nearly doubled since last year.   
Vicksburg police say they arrested 272 teens from January to through June.
The arrested just 135 teens during the same time period last year.
Two of the teens were arrested on murder charges.
Fourteen others for robbery and armed robbery.
Police arrested five for aggravated assault and another nine for burglary.
The “Jackson Street Summer Program” in Vicksburg is designed to keep teens busy when school is out of the season.
Coordinator Lalisa Howard says the program helps keep kids off the streets by getting them involved in activities like basketball—-with others their age.
“Everybody needs somebody,“ said Howard. “And kids, if they find somebody they can talk to, they’ll be more comfortable, but when they don’t have anyone to talk to….and things go through their head…some tend to go out there and get in trouble and get attention that way.“
Instead, Howard and others help kids rebound and become productive adults.
“You have to know how to carry yourself,“ said Howard.  “Keep your pants pulled up because if you don’t have none of that down…you will not get a job.“
Program coordinators tell us this summer there are about 122 kids enrolled in the program.
They say that’s about 75 more than last summer.