Watchdog to investigate link between alcohol and young women offenders

The review is likely to cover underage drinking, the availability of cheap alcohol in supermarkets, links between alcohol and violent crime and the increased vulnerability of girls under the influence of alcohol.

An HM Inspectorate of Probation spokeswoman said the watchdog is considering undertaking “a thematic inspection on young women who have offended, which will include the role alcohol plays in their offending”.

She added the investigation is likely to revisit progress made since its 2010 report Message in a Bottle, which was published jointly with the Care Quality Commission and looked at the links between alcohol and youth crime.

“We may also look at what impact the recommendations we made in that 2010 report have had,” she said.

These recommendations included making sure that all young offenders have a substance and alcohol misuse assessment and that the effectiveness of alcohol-related support should be measured more robustly.

The report also said that young offenders with “high levels of need” in terms of alcohol abuse should have access to a fast track programme of assistance, to include mental health support.

Crime reduction groups welcomed the proposed investigation. Paul McDowell, chief executive at Nacro, said young women who drink excessively are not only in danger of participating in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, but vulnerable to becoming victims of crime.

“We welcome the research proposals,” he said. “Investigating the impact of alcohol consumption on young women will not only provide more insight into the causes of alcohol-related crimes but also inform what we can do to properly address it.” 

“Nacro is clear that prevention is better than cure — we need to proactively address issues related to alcohol misuse at the earliest possible opportunity and instil positive attitudes from a young age.

"It’s essential that we invest in this work. We work extensively with young people who have problems with alcohol, and all of our experience points to the need to work in a targeted way to ensure the best results.”

Catch 22 chief executive Chris Wright added: "In our work with women in the criminal justice system it does seem to be the case that young women are committing more violent crime under the influence of alcohol.

“This is of course a serious concern and Catch22 understands the importance of work to identify a formal link between alcohol and crime. We are very supportive of any research that might assist us in our work to help young women in this situation.”