GANG MEMBERSHIP, DRUGS AND CRIME IN THE UK

Author: Bennett T / Holloway K
Publication: British Journal of Criminology
Topics: Age Group Criminology Gender International
Keywords: Behavior Gang United Kingdom
Bibliographic information +

The authors examine the extent of gang membership in the United Kingdom and the association between gang membership and unhealthy behaviors (e.g. violent crime, drug trading, vandalism, drug misuse) using data generated from the New English and Welsh Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (NEW-ADAM) program from 1999 to 2002. Fifteen percent of arrestees had either current or prior experience as a gang member. An estimated 15,000 to 25,000 gang members may have been active in England and Wales during that time. Gang member arrestees were more likely than non-gang members to be male, younger (aged under 25 years), having lower incomes, still in full-time education, and living with their guardians. Gang members were more likely to possess weapons and guns.