How do we beat youth crime?

by Natalie Valios

The three teenagers found guilty earlier this week of murdering Garry Newlove – by kicking him to death after they’d been drinking and smoking cannabis all day – has yet again raised the question of how to prevent young people committing serious crimes.

After the verdict, Garry Newlove’s wife Helen read out a statement in which she said that parents needed to take responsibility for their children.

“What these people need to understand is that it could be their partners or parents that it happens to.”

She went on to say: “Attacking people verbally and physically under the influence of drink and drugs does not, in any way, justify their actions. You do the crime, you must face the consequence and do the time…Government needs to put an effective deterrent in place.”

She suggested putting young people in the army or boot camps. She also called for more police on the streets and a closer eye to be kept on shopkeepers so they don’t sell alcohol to underage drinkers.

So do you think any of the suggestions below would work – and if not, what would? Email simeon.brody@rbi.co.uk with your suggestions.