Crime now the major worry for young people

Young Londoners are more likely than pensioners to be concerned about crime, a new survey reveals.

More people aged 18 to 34 worry about personal safety and anti-social behaviour than those aged 60 or over.

They are also more likely than their elders to consider taking and dealing in drugs to be a problem and to complain about public transport.

The results from a survey of 1,015 people surprised analysts at market research firm TNS - pensioners are the group considered most likely to voice a fear of crime.

The annual survey of Londoners was commissioned by the capital's 33 boroughs to check on key quality-of-life issues. Crime was the main concern for 53 per cent of the 18-34 group - up five percentage points on last year and up 19 percentage points in the past five years.

By comparison, 42 per cent of those aged 60 or over say crime is an issue of concern, down one point on last year. Sir Robin Wales, chairman of the Association of London Government, said crime concerns had risen as jobs and the heath service dropped off the political agenda.

Sir Robin, also the mayor of Newham, said: "Young people are more likely to be victims of crime than old people in my borough. While it's certainly true that young people commit crime, a very large number of them suffer."