What is co-offending?

Co-offending refers to the situation where multiple individuals commit criminal acts together, which aligns directly with the concept of engaging in criminal activity as part of a group. This phenomenon is significant in the study of juvenile delinquency because group dynamics can influence the likelihood and type of criminal behavior exhibited by individuals. When youth offend in groups, they can often feel a sense of shared identity or solidarity, which may embolden their actions and reduce individual accountability. This collaborative aspect of offending also raises unique challenges for prevention and intervention strategies, as addressing the behavior of one individual may not be sufficient without considering the influence of the group.