No doubt poor parenting plays a part in all this. Where that can be proven by someone with the relevant practical experience of working in the yoof crime sector, and not merely by some talking head who has read a few books and passed an exam, I'm all for some of the burden of the youngster's lawbreaking to be borne by the parents. It doesn't have to be a financial penalty, and indeed on many occasions that would have no effect anyhow because they will be claiming benefits and would pay any fine at a quid a week. Rather by naming and shaming in the local paper, or being pelted in the stocks with unmentionables until they sign an affydavit and promise that their darlings will behave.

Some irony there, admittedly, but basically the parents should take some of the blame for their lack of control. Because time and time again we hear of teenagers who get into crime because they are allowed to do what they like, when they like, their parents being incapable of exercising even the most basic supervision.