INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis' new public safety director said addressing juvenile crime is key to improving safety across the city.

In 2008, more than 12,000 juvenile offenders went to jail, a 25 percent increase from 2007, 6News' Jack Rinehart reported.

"They really don't seem to care a whole lot about anything anymore," said Sgt. Kelly Hayes. "That's not all juveniles, mind you, that's just the ones out committing a lot of this. They really don't care."

The list of crimes committed by youth mirrors those of adults, including rape, robbery, assault and murder.

In the city's southwest district, police said nearly 60 percent of burglary arrests are juvenile offenders.

Frank Straub, who was announced as the city's new public safety director on Thursday, said he wants to make an effort to keep kids out of jail.

"By keeping our young men and women, particularly persons of color, out of the criminal justice system, we will make a mark nationally," Straub said.

Already, Indianapolis police have made juvenile runaways a point of focus. Of the more than 4,000 people reported missing each year, 60 percent are teens and children, statistics show.

The more often they run, the longer they stay out of the street and the more at risk they become to themselves and the community, police said.

"With runaways, the big issue is why are they running, and what can we do to put services in the home, or services for the youth to keep them at home and keep them safe," said Deputy Chief Probation Officer Christina Ball

Beginning early next year, all runaways and low-risk offenders will be taken to the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center for evaluation and services.

Police also emphasize city-sponsored sports and youth programs aimed at building positive relationships and life skills in an effort to keep kids from turning to crime.