'A big concern': More Saskatoon kids are getting involved in violent crimes, police chief says

Saskatoon police chief sees rise in youth crime WATCH: Saskatoon's police chief says the number of youth involved in violent crime is a 'big concern.'

More kids are getting involved in violent crimes, according to Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride.

"That's a big concern to us. It's something we're monitoring and trying to determine how we can address it moving forward," McBride said in a CTV News 2024 year-end interview.

In October, police responded to a group of teens allegedly assaulting two people. A 15-year-old, 14-year-old, 13-year-old, 12-year-old and 11-year-old were arrested.

In November, a 13-year-old boy was charged for discharging bear spray at the Midtown Plaza food court.

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McBride said the increase in youth crime isn't all connected to gangs, but it is a factor.

The chief said gangs can recruit children "at a very, very young age."

"Pre-teen. And I would say, in some cases, the single-digit age category," McBride said.

"Sometimes it's simply from kids in the neighbourhood. Sometimes it's through family connections. Sometimes it's coerced. And sometimes it's just somebody desperately looking for a sense of belonging."

The chief said the guns and gangs unit and school resource officers are focused on "intercepting" negative youth influences.