Advertisement

'Fagin's Law': Crackdown on adults turning kids into criminals

Adult criminals who lure children and teenagers into doing their dirty work could face 10 years in jail under laws to be introduced to the Victorian parliament.

Victoria Police believe organised crime gangs have been grooming youth gangs, such as Apex, to commit armed robberies and steal cars.

The new legislation, to be introduced next year, will create the new offence of "procuring young people to commit offences" regardless of how serious the crime committed by the youth is, Herald Sun reported.

The new legislation, to be introduced next year, will create the new offence of "procuring young people to commit offences". Photo: 7 News

Victoria will be recruiting another 2,700 police officers. Photo: 7 News

"Fagin's Law" will mean the older criminals who encourage children and teenagers to commit crimes could face up to 10 years in jail.

It comes as the state government on Sunday announced plans to spend $2 billion in an attempt to gain control of the state’s soaring crime rate.

Part of the funding will go into Victoria Police who will be recruiting another 2,729 new officers over the next four years.

The office Attorney-General Martin Pakula has been contacted for comment.

RELATED VIDEOS: