Attempts to tackle teenage gangs have missed opportunities to rescue young people from a life of crime according to a report by the chief inspectors of prisons, police and probation. How should we deal with gangs?
Research indicates that some teenagers join gangs to protect themselves even though they know they run the risk of being seriously injured or even killed.
While the joint report warns against exaggerating the power of gangs, it calls for a new national strategy to help the police and other agencies prevent yongsters becoming gang members and to make it easier to rehabilitate those already involved in crime.
Do you agree with the findings of the report? What is the best way to tackle teenage gangs? Are the authorities doing enough? Has your area been affected?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/10383497.stm