Are We A Nation Of Victor Meldrews?

According to a report in the Daily Telegraph, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brian Paddick, (who is in charge of youth crime for the Metropolitan Police.) believes that the young are no more disrespectful now than they were 30 years ago - It's older people who are grumpier and more intolerant of them!

Brian Paddick went on to say that young people are frequently demonised by older men suffering from a "Victor Meldrew syndrome"- a reference to the killjoy character played by Richard Wilson in the BBC's One Foot in the Grave.

"When kids used to play football in the street and hit a car people used not to be particularly concerned about it. Now it would probably result in a heated argument in the street between the car owner and the young person."

He added: "We are in danger, as we have been with other particular groups in society, of negatively stereotyping young people as hooligans whereas the vast majority of young people are decent, law-abiding citizens who want to do the right thing."

His controversial views have angered some social commentators. Robert Whelan, the deputy director of Civitas, the Institute for the Study of Civil Society, said: "What world is Mr Paddick living in? Youth crime is a very serious issue nowadays and crimes committed by young people, including children, represent a significant volume of the total crimes committed.

If you 'don't believe it' and would like to read the full report click here!