I'm an old guy (retire next month) with a 4 year degree in Criminology and experience in law enforcement on my resume. Having seen the best people at their worst and worse people at their best for 10 years, I began to lose compassion for my fellow man. Subsequently, I chose to a different career path over the past 33 years.
From your presentment of the facts, it does sound like juvenile delinquents. If apprehended, it would be so apropo for the kids, along with their parents, to have a sit down "come to Jesus" meeting with the judicial system. Those kids, along with their parents should be responsible for making the victims whole again; at least cover their deductible.
But, you know... our overwhelmed and broken system is going to follow the path of least resistance, offering a modicum of justice while facing higher rates of recidivism. Frankly, over thirty years ago, I grew tired of the bad guys walking out of the jail before the ink had dried on my arrest report. Frustration? Might as well go to the beach and pour a home foundation 30' from the low tide line. LOL... the local building inspector absolutely isn't going to allow me to fail. Makes sense, revolving doors are out of vogue.