Crime

Violent crime has fallen 50% since its peak in 1995 and knife crime is also on the wane: there were 210 murders involving knives in 2009-10, compared with 270 just two years earlier. However, many people still believe that crime, particularly violent and weapons crime, is increasing. The recent UK riots have not helped to dispel this idea. This books looks at the continuing problems of gang, youth and weapons crime, at how those convicted of criminal offences are punished and at the debate about the minimum age at which someone should be held responsible for committing a crime.