Thirteen - year - old thief, in need of survival, and care for five younger sisters

Many children will spend the evening of the New Year at joyful and abundant tables. Thousands of others are surrounded by toys they have dreamed of.

But this is not a story for happy children. This is Dennis's sad story, 13-year-old boy, who is forced to steal food for survival.

Dennis cares for five younger brothers and sisters besides meals, including toys.

When I go home and Daddy says no food, I get bored. Get out of the house and start looking. I see stores where I can't see cameras, and I put food in my jacket”, says Dennis.

His father works as a laborer and often finds no employment. When Dennis was eight years old, he stole a bread for the first time and continues to do so whenever the table is empty.

“Zaconinally steals pasta, meats and main foods needed for home. For my siblings, I have stolen food, toys. Of course the police also took me to the” station, says the young man.

Like Dennis, there are many cases of minor children who are not taken to criminal responsibility. But once they turn 14 they are sent to court as defendants. Such is the case of Vandam and Marcel. Both are charged with theft.

Vandam and his associate, both 15-year-olds, grabbed the bag from a woman in whom she had 2,500 dollars. Fellow workers with them were two children under age for criminal responsibility, so they will not be tried.

They've admitted they've committed a 2,500-dollar theft. They have been earmarked from $500 each, while the 500 dollars they overran were consumed to buy food”, said prosecutor George Taco.

Even for a few months, Dennis escapes the investigation, only because he has not yet turned 14. However, he fears, not prison, but hunger. Because of poverty, Dennis abandoned school, and now he has only one desire left.

“I don't want to see my family say we have food today to eat”, Dennis said. / TCh/