^aCentre for Criminology and Criminal Justice, Vivian Towers, University of Wales Swansea, Singleton Park, Swansea, U.K. E-mail: spcase@swan.ac.uk

Abstract

This paper examines the prevalence of, frequency of and factors underpinning offending in an opportunity sample of 3,088 young people aged 11–16 years in Wales. The research augments existing risk-focused research literature by exploring the relative salience of risk factors for active property and violent offending by specific gender and age group. Logistic regression analyses, underpinned by factor analysis, identified anti-social behaviour/attitudes and impulsivity as the most influential risk factors for all forms of offending by all groups. Other factors closely related to offending for specific sub-groups are discussed. Findings imply the need for comprehensive, multi-dimensional youth crime prevention programmes addressing multiple and composite risk factors, targeted appropriately upon specific sub-groups of the youth population.