What's wrong with young people? Some older people complain they have a fear of going out at night because of increasing violence and the number of young people who are drunk. But is it right for them to be frightened? It's true that the number of reported violent crimes has increased, but also true that the police have become more expert at recording crime. Their enquiries are more successful because victims seem more willing to report crime. This may account for the increase. There is also a growing trend for young people to consume less alcohol now than ten or fifteen years ago. Why? It's probably a combination of factors. Alcohol is expensive, it makes you lose control, and there seems to be a cultural move away from heavy drinking of alcohol.