UK riots analysis reveals gangs did not play pivotal role

Riots in Tottenham, north London
Riots in Tottenham, north London. The official figures show that those arrested were poorly educated and came from deprived areas. Photograph: Lewis Whyld/PA

Official figures show those arrested came from deprived backgrounds, striking a blow to theory that tackling gang culture is key to preventing repeat of disturbances

Gangs did not play a pivotal role in the August riots, according to the latest official analysis of those arrested during the disturbances.

Official figures show that 13% of those arrested in the riots have been identified as gang members, rising to 19% in London, but even where police identified gang members being present most forces believe they did not play a pivotal role.

The finding by senior Whitehall officials is a blow to the principal response to the riots being pushed strongly by the work and pensions secretary, Iain Duncan Smith – that tackling gang culture is key to preventing any repeat of the disturbances.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and Home Office background analysis shows that those arrested during the riots overwhelmingly came from deprived areas and had the poorest educational backgrounds.

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

In Toronto's G20 arrests, they caught a lot more innocent protestors than vandals. The arrest stats just show who is better at getting away.