Troublesome Youth Groups, Gangs and Knife Carrying in Scotland

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed growing concern about the existence of youth gangs and the engagement of their members in violent conflict involving knives and other weapons. However, there is limited reliable evidence relating to the nature, form and prevalence of youth ‘gangs’ and knife carrying in Scotland.

Recognising these information shortfalls, the research reported here set out to:

Provide an overview of what is known about the nature and extent of youth

gang activity and knife carrying in a set of case study locations. Provide an in-depth account of the structures and activities of youth gangs in

these settings. Provide an in-depth account of the knife carrying in these settings. Offer a series of recommendations for interventions in these behaviours

based on this evidence.