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Youthful car thieves in Pinellas to see stiffer penalties

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Youthful car thieves in Pinellas County will soon face tougher penalties.

Its part of a larger effort to reduce the deadly epidemic that’s killed a half dozen youthfull people in latest months and has leaders worried.

“It’s a wake-up call. Like you, everybody, like, should take this earnestly, because people are dying because of something that they think is joy,” said Northeast High School student, Shenyah Ruth.

Ruth is one of a number of students asked to come up with ideas to reduce car thefts.

For Rashon Weeks, the latest deaths in Palm Harbor hit home. He knew the dudes who died.

“Learn by example. You see what happened when so and so did this. Make sure you don’t fall in their footsteps,” said Weeks.

Congressman Charlie Crist, who led the discussion, believes solving the car theft problem involves many.

“I think it’s both a law enforcement component, a compassion component. You know, sadly, some of these children have no leadership at home,” said Crist.

Youthfull car thieves know they can get away with it.

“The kids have been telling, ‘there’s no consequences. If I steal a car today, I get out today. If I steal a car tomorrow, I get out tomorrow,’” said St. Petersburg Police Chief Chief Anthony Holloway.

That will switch October 1, when fresh detention rules kick in.

Just as the meeting embarked, a group from the Uhuru movement chanted.

Meeting participants got up from their seats and left the room.

Police eventually escorted the Uhuru members outside and the meeting continued.

Some of the ideas discussed included more role models for youthfull people, better parenting and the fresh detention plan. Thieves will be held for longer times.

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