NCJ Number
119977
Editor(s)
K Heal
Date Published
1989
Length
67 pages
Annotation
While taking an offender-oriented approach to the problem of juvenile crime, this study examines the scope for local intervention in the lifestyles of young people with a view toward reducing the probability of them turning to criminal activity.
Abstract
Work was carried out by multi-agency groups in three different areas in Great Britain -- an inner city, a small inland town, and a sea-side resort -- in order to examine environmental, social, and economic factors. One of the objectives was to test the efficacy of using multi-agency groups to develop a juvenile crime prevention program; Researchers found that such groups could manage, but not prevent, juvenile crime. Police data and information obtained from juveniles through questionnaires were used to establish crime profiles, taking into account the number of crimes, the number of juvenile offenders, and the frequency of offenses. Statistics from the inner city sample showed a much higher juvenile crime rate, as well as a greater range of offenses including shoplifting, car crimes, burglaries, and criminal damage. Each of these areas was examined in detail, noting similarities and differences between the three study sites; preventive measures, or intervention, are suggested. 5 figures, 22 tables, 3 appendixes, 26 references.