Young black boys ‘need better role models’

Black communities need to put forward positive role models to counter gang culture, ministers have been told. Government-commissioned research calls for a cultural shift from rappers, sportsmen and celebrities to lawyers, doctors and other professionals. Conducted by Reach and drawing on experts from education and business, the report argues the government and black communities need […]

Balls: Asbos not right

The era of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) must come to an end, children’s secretary Ed Balls has said. His comments highlight a level of hesitance among senior government figures over the prevalence of behaviour orders, which have become a mainstay of Labour’s “respect” agenda. Tony Blair attempted to address rowdiness, vandalism, drunkenness and hooliganism in […]

Drunken yobs ‘invading’ town centres

The Home Office has said combating anti-social behaviour continues to be a priority, after an influential committee of MPs said ‘drunken yobs’ were turning town centres into no-go areas. The Commons public accounts committee (PAC) said anti-social youngsters were “behaving like an occupying army” and bringing “misery and despair” to communities. Despite introducing a “barrage” […]

Reid praises ‘crime-fighting’ faith groups

Faith groups must be more involved in tackling the root causes of violent crime and anti-social behaviour, the home secretary John Reid said. Speaking to faith leaders yesterday, Mr Reid praised their work on the “front lines” of communities affected by youth violence. He said the government would continue to liaise with and support faith […]

Damilola inquiry mistakes due to ‘human error’

Mistakes made in the Damilola Taylor murder inquiry were “human errors” and did not point to “systemic failures” by the Forensic Science Service (FSS), a report has concluded. Damilola’s parents were said to be deeply disappointed by the findings, and a statement read on their behalf said the report and its recommendations fell far short […]

Cameron denies hoodie hugging

David Cameron has denied ever saying the three words that have dogged him for the past year – “hug a hoodie”. Returning to the Police Federation conference, Mr Cameron claimed his speech last year – where he called for more compassion towards young offenders – had been widely misinterpreted. The Tory leader argued his speech […]

Cameron urges people to be nice to each other

David Cameron today called for a “revolution in responsibility”, as he set out the Conservatives’ agenda for social responsibility. Rejecting Labour’s Asbo-led approach, Mr Cameron argued increased civility can tackle anti-social behaviour. Improving everyone’s quality of life includes looking at how people treat each other, he argued, including tackling bad behaviour. The country needs a […]

Blair: target the black gang leaders

Tony Blair has called on black communities to denounce gun and knife crime, following the latest spate of youth-on-youth attacks. The prime minister called for tougher action on gang crime in a speech in Cardiff, as he joined the Labour campaign trail in Wales. Delivering a lecture in memory of former Labour prime minister James […]

Reid unveils ‘double whammy’ on phone crime

Mobile phone theft is set to get less attractive to criminals, the home secretary John Reid predicted today. From April 6th, new punishments come into force, with tougher sentences for anyone caught re-programming stolen mobile phones. Following government changes, people will be liable for up to five years in jail and/or an unlimited fine. Combined […]

Cameron: Police not govt must be tough on crime

Central government cannot “deliver” a low crime rate, Conservative leader David Cameron admitted today. However, he insisted the Conservatives did “know how to cut crime” and outlined a number of reforms designed to strengthen communities and local police forces in combating crime. Mr Cameron was speaking as the Conservative’s police reform taskforce published its interim […]