Durham County Sheriff calls on community to help steer youth away from crime

Nearly a dozen incidents happened over three days in Durham County.

The sheriff's office says they all involve a stolen vehicle, a robbery or drugs. Several juveniles are among the suspects who deputies took into custody.

In the midst of the news, Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead spoke with WRAL News about the biggest issues facing Durham youth and what the community can do to help.

Birkhead said on average, his office recovers a stolen vehicle every day. He said the problem is serious because those cars are being used for other crimes, often committed by young people.

Durham crime statistics show thirty two people under the age of 18 have been shot in 2023.

On top of that problem, Durham police data shows property crime, particularly motor vehicle thefts, are up.

Birkhead said it's common for deputies to link a stolen car to other crimes or find drugs or guns inside.

"When you see these young people again, ruining their lives, either on the bad end of a gun from a bullet, or being the trigger person behind the gun, either way lives are being disrupted beyond measure, and that's troubling," Birkhead said.

Birkhead emphasizes law enforcement cannot solve the juvenile crime issue alone. He's calling on community organizations, churches, and parents to listen to young people about what they need.

Birkhead also credits the school resource officers in Durham schools with stopping crime before it happens, and also with building relationships with young people.