Most 10-year-olds who get caught shoplifting are extremely remorseful and usually very scared. They know they have gotten caught doing something wrong and their natural instinct is to feel remorse.

That certainly is not the case for one New Zealand delinquent.

The youngster was caught shoplifting items of clothing, and when spoken to by police, he became violent and abusive kicking out at the attending officers and the patrol car causing some damage to the vehicle. This as reported in www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz.

Youngsters caught offending are not put through the court system, but instead are referred to youth aid and youth workers who works with the family and the youth to deal with the problem.

Youth such as the 10-year-old are made to do some type of public service which can vary from cleaning up trash or washing off graffiti.

But this is a special case and may merit a different approach. It is obvious from his reaction that this boy has other issues to deal with. While a shoplifting class is a step in the right direction, authorities and his parents should seek personal counseling for his violent behavior. He is still young enough to right a potentially hole-riddled ship.