Shenyang Public Security Bureau has arrested nine teenagers suspected of robbing more than 40 people over a two month period.

The youngest of the alleged robbers is 13 and the eldest is 16. Most of the victims are older people and woman.

According to the bureau, most of the nine suspects are from single parent families.

"My parents are divorced. I live with my aunt. I feel happy only when I'm with friends. They said go to rob, so I went along with them," said the 16-year-old to Liaoshen Evening News.

"Over 70 percent of teenage offenders are from single parent families or families who lack of love. These children usually lose their sense of self. As a result, when they cannot find their position in their family and society, they are easily convinced to do something extreme," said Li Fangshu, who spent nearly ten years researching in juvenile delinquency for Shenyang Intermediate People’s Court.