Teenagers are responsible for the majority of minor offences. At a briefing at Scotland Yard yesterday, Sir John Stevens, the commissioner, told reporters some of the difficulties facing his force. The Met is about 3,000 officers under strength at the moment. His aim is to have filled the vacant posts within three years, but it won't happen without massive funding for recruitment campaigns. Progress is painfully slow.
Morale is rock bottom.
Today, the figure has risen to 25,422 - a measly increase.