Interior Minister Daniel Mitov told Parliament that 37 cases of harassment and aggression committed by youth gangs have been reported in Sofia since the start of the year, with 33 of the perpetrators already identified and detained.

• Government to take measures against growing number of youth gangs

According to the Sofia Metropolitan Directorate of the Interior (SDVR), 70–80 per cent of minors involved in so-called 'locals' gangs in the capital are already known to the police. However, outdated legislation dating back to 1958 often limits the ministry’s ability to act, Mitov said. The Interior Ministry is participating in the drafting of a completely new juvenile justice law.

• Prosecutor's Office moves to curb youth gang violence

In response to rising violence and anti-social behaviour in shopping centres, the minister added that a permanent inter-institutional working group has been set up to address incidents involving children in public spaces.