Britons less likely to intervene to prevent a crime

Britons are less likely than their continental European counterparts to intervene when a crime is taking place, a report says.

The study, by think-tank Reform, says that the British public have become "passive bystanders" and are unlikely to participate in maintaining justice.

Britons believe that tacking antisocial behaviour is a matter for the police, whereas residents of other countries see it as the role of parents, teachers and the community, the report says.

The report says that national politicians set out targets and parameters dictating how to tackle local crime, which allows "only a small amount of local autonomy".

It also suggests devolving power to local justice commissioners, who would have responsibility for local criminal justice services.

The Lawful Society is available here