Tougher measures to keep wayward teens from absconding have been called for after a 15-year-old stole more than $8,000 worth of cash and jewellery in a single night after escaping from care.

Yesterday's Family Court heard that the Devonshire boy, who can't be named for legal reasons, has around a dozen other charges outstanding and 15 previous convictions.

Yesterday in Family Court he admitted six charges of breaking into homes in Hamilton Parish on March 15 and was put back into the care of the Director of Child and Family Services by Magistrate Carlisle Greaves.

But yesterday Opposition Home Affairs spokesman Michael Dunkley said security needed to be tightened up at the Observatory Cottage facility in Devonshire from which the teen escaped.

Mr. Dunkley said: "I'm quite concerned. It seems like these people under care are getting out and there's a hard time finding where they are. "The most important concern is whether this process serves the purpose for which it is intended. These places are often full.

"We need a total rethink. A young man escapes and goes on a rampage -- this isn't helping his rehabilitation. We have to be tough on people but also offer a helping hand.'' However a Government spokesman refused to say whether security had been stepped up at the Devonshire home or whether plans to have a emergency accommodation at Southside had been implemented. The spokesman said: "We will not comment on individual cases.'' In court yesterday the boy's social worker argued that the teen suffered from bouts of uncontrollable behaviour and pleaded for him to be allowed off the Island to get help.

Call for better security at juvenile home She argued: "He was assessed last June -- he has a problem controlling his erratic behaviour.

"He has manic episodes and goes out and thieves but we don't have a therapist to provide what he needs.

"He has said he will pay the money back.'' But Mr. Greaves said: "People say that all the time.'' He said: "When this fellow does things he does them in style. He's like a politician going from house to house.'' The Police argued that the youth should remain on the Island to help them with inquiries into another possible dozen offences and that he was continually escaping from care.

Mr. Greaves told the social worker: "The law must be given precedence. Family Services had a whole year to do what they wanted to do. You had the chance -- now the Police have their job to do.

"I don't see why they should be hindered by you because your department hasn't done its job.'' The youth had also stolen alcohol during his thieving spree and told Police when he was arrested that he had been out of control because he was drunk.

And he said he had only been an observer in the thefts while his two accomplices had taken the goods.