Sex crimes are on the rise among teens as police statistics revealed that one in every 10 rapes this year was committed by schoolboys.

Data from the Malaysia's Police College science studies unit showed that of the 1,833 rape cases reported from the nine months to September in the country, 216 offenders were below the age of 18, the Star said.

Young offenders also accounted for 5 percent of murder cases out of a total of 473 cases to date, 15 percent of 1,669 rioting cases and 3 percent of 113,939 cases for theft, including vehicle theft and house-breaking.

The data revealed that young offenders also accounted for 6 percent of 15,038 drug trafficking and possession offences, during the period.

Juvenile crimes rose to 8,671 in January-September 2006 from 6,611 during the same time last year.

Police College science studies unit head assistant commissioner Amar Singh said children becoming involved in crime was a worrying sign.

"What is documented is just those who were arrested but what about those who were not? This figure may just be the tip of the iceberg," he said, according to the Star .

Sing said more attention should be given to school children who often played truant.

"Truancy is not an offence but schools should not ignore it," he said adding that while there was no direct correlation between the truancy and crime, it could lead to drug abuse, addiction and crime.