VICTIMS of sex crimes are becoming younger and police are concerned.
The latest case involves a man who allegedly raped an eight-year-old girl twice.
Chief of Operations and Assistant Police Commissioner Henry Brown said the number of cases against children and youths was a major concern to police.
"We continue to take a hardened approach when investigating these types of cases to ensure those committing the crimes are brought to justice.
"However, there is no doubt that society needs to work hand in hand to try and help prevent our children falling victims to such crimes," ACP Brown said in a statement.
ACP Brown said it was difficult to deal with such cases because as parents, no one wanted to see their child hurt and that the police could no longer work in isolation to protect children.
He called on religious organisations, civil society and the communities to better protect children from the few unscrupulous people who had no regard for the sanctity of young innocent lives.
"When we hear of a child being hurt, our officers know that they must take priority in bringing the culprit to justice.
"However, we must find a way to prevent the crime from being committed in the first place," ACP Brown said.
As the third term begins today, ACP Brown is urging parents and guardians to closely monitor the movements of their children to and from school.
Teachers and school management have also been requested to assist the police in keeping track of the whereabouts of their students and report any suspicious persons or activities within the school compound.
"Proactive steps need to be adopted now by all members of the community and we need to all step up and say enough is enough, we no longer want to see an innocent child falling victim to such crimes," ACP Brown said.