This analysis was based on 1985 and 1986 automated case-level data provided to the National Juvenile Court Data Archive by State and county agencies that collect or report information on the processing of youth referred to courts with juvenile jurisdiction. Results revealed that the annual rate at which youth were referred to court for property offenses increased through age 16 and decreased for 17-year-olds. Shoplifting was the most common offense referred to court for youth under age 15, while burglary was most common for older youth. Female youth were more likely to be involved in shoplifting than other types of property offenses, while male youth were most likely to be involved in burglary cases. Juveniles referred to court for motor vehicle theft were more likely to be detained than youth referred for other property offenses. Burglary and motor vehicle theft cases were more likely than other property offenses to result in the youth being placed out of the home. 4 figures