People in York have rejected a survey blaming feckless parents for children turning to crime.

Research in Yorkshire and the North-East reveals 55 per cent of those questioned think families are the No 1 factor determining a youngster's behaviour.

But in York, opinion was slanted more towards those who thought sheer boredom could be behind most of the crimes committed by young people.

Unemployment and peer groups were also high on the list. But lack of further education or training opportunities were felt to be of little importance in the survey carried out by Crime Concern, a body working with other groups to reduce crime and create safer communities.

Maureen Eggleton: they don't know how to play Mick Eggleton: it's the American influence Charlotte Ferrey: peer groups leading them astray John Redpath: TV plays a big part too

Pensioner Maureen Eggleton, of Harlow Street, off Hamilton Drive, York, said: "It's partly parents, and also not enough discipline in schools, but it's not just that. When I was a kid we used to play. They don't know how to play these days. We used to go dancing every Friday night. Now they are bored."

Mick Eggleton, 31, a tattooist visiting from Australia, said: "They just get bored and that's when they get up to mischief. It's the American influence - there's a gang culture."

Student Charlotte Ferrey, 20, of New Lane, Bishopthorpe, said peer groups rather than parents were more to blame for leading young people astray. She said: "They won't admit it, but it's more about who you mix with than your parents."

And York town crier John Redpath said: "I wouldn't blame the parents, no, that's not fair. It's hard bringing them up. It's who they get in with - and TV plays a big part too. The problem is, there's no respect any more."

Police say the causes of crime cannot be tied down. North Yorkshire police spokesman Tony Lidgate said: "If we could tell what the cause of crime was then there wouldn't be any."

Crime Concern's chief executive, Nigel Whiskin, said: "We've got to speed up our efforts in working with young people at home, in school and in the community to increase hope, opportunity, self-esteem and create a youth culture where there is just no time for crime."

The survey was carried out as a backdrop for the British Crime Prevention and Community Safety Awards Scheme, sponsored by York-based insurance company CGU. Cees Schrauwers, managing director of CGU, said: "If together we can reduce crime levels and improve the quality of life for more people in our communities, we may be able to give hope to disadvantaged young people that will help steer them clear of trouble."

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