‘It starts with our youth:’ Summer programs help crack down on juvenile related crimes
DELMARVA – “To have this club here it’s very important because this was something that was needed,” Beteck said.
Enaka Beteck is the Club Manager for the Truitt Street Boys and Girls Club in Salisbury. Having grown up in the area, He knows first-hand how summer programs like theirs can keep kids out of trouble. “We cover everything from academics, recreation, to healthy lifestyle. We try to cover all aspects of what a child is going to need,” Beteck said.
The Cambridge Police Department says they see an uptick in juvenile related crime in the summer months. Chief Justin Todd says most of those incidents are crimes of opportunity. “There’s a lot of thefts of motor vehicles and theft of items left in unlocked motor vehicles,” Chief Todd says.
It’s not just the extra down time causing this, as Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli says mental health concerns, social media, and peer influences also play a role. “This is a long-term approach to keep our communities safe and where does that start? It starts with our youth,” Sheriff Crisafulli said.
“Our role is not just to incarcerate someone and walk away from them and say our job is done.”
Beteck says their program also focuses on leadership skills and career development, all while keeping things fun. The hope he says is to give kids the tools to go out into the world and make a difference. “To get them to see the bigger picture of the world and have them inspired to go out into the world and make an impact,” Beteck said.
Sheriff Crisafulli says his department also has strong relationship with schools in the county to stay connected with youth.
Cambridge Police tell us they have several initiatives planned this summer to try and keep that connection strong including the annual National Night Out event.
Meanwhile, the Truitt Street Boys & Girls Club tells us they will move into their new facility at a future date.
To find out more about the Boys & Girls Club’s programming click here
