A total 212 children under 14 were taken into police custody over serious crimes in 2003, up 47.2 percent from the previous year.
It is the first time since 1987 that the figure has exceeded 200, according to a survey released by the National Police Agency on Thursday. Serious crimes include murder and robbery.
Under the Penal Code, children younger than 14 are not held criminally responsible for their actions.
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