Evidence base
This section provides links and a brief summary of a robust evidence base. For example, peer-reviewd studies, systematic revies, evaluations of interventions and best practice guidelines from national sources.
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Issue number 1 = highest priority |
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1 |
Source |
Seyidoglu, H., Farrell, G., Dixon, A., Pina-Sánchez, J., & Malleson, N. (2024) |
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Title incl. web link |
Post-pandemic crime trends in England and Wales https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40163-024-00201-1 |
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Summary |
Explores crime trends in England and Wales post-COVID. Highlights a 20% rise in shoplifting by August 2023, suggesting a link to economic hardship and substance-related acquisitive crime. Supports the view that drug-related offending is a key driver of theft and public disorder. |
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Source |
Journal of Experimental Criminology (2025) |
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Title incl. web link |
Reducing school crime events and status offense complaints: additional evidence for School Justice Partnerships |
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Summary |
While not UK-specific in title, this journal includes recent UK-based studies on youth offending and drug-related interventions. It supports evidence-based approaches to reducing crime linked to substance misuse and social exclusion. |
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2
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Source |
Cogan, J. (2024) |
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Title incl. web link |
A Perspective on Anti-Social Behaviour |
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Summary |
Examines the UK’s use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) and their social impact. Discusses the cost, effectiveness, and criticisms of ASBOs, and calls for more holistic approaches to address the root causes of ASB in communities. |
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Source |
Lavorgna, A., & Powell, A. (2023) |
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Title incl. web link |
Addressing Antisocial Behaviour and Toxic Communication Online https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10610-023-09554-w |
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Summary |
Explores the rise of antisocial behaviour in digital spaces and its impact on community cohesion in the UK. Highlights the blurred boundaries between online and offline harm and calls for updated criminological approaches. |
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3 |
Source |
RAND Europe (2025) |
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Title incl. web link |
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Summary |
This systematic review, commissioned by the UK Home Office, evaluates the effectiveness of drug-related law enforcement in reducing serious violence and homicide. It identifies both successful interventions and unintended consequences, offering guidance on how enforcement can be integrated into broader violence reduction strategies. |
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Source |
Fazel et al. (2024) |
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Title incl. web link |
Effectiveness of Violence Prevention Interventions: Umbrella Review |
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Summary |
This umbrella review synthesises findings from 16 meta-analyses on violence prevention. It highlights that sport-based and community-led initiatives are among the most effective interventions. The review supports scalable, multi-agency approaches to reducing serious crime and improving public safety. |
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