Shocking acts of opportunistic criminality

No, not the latest corporate crime revelations but a quote from the government response to the final report by the Riots, Communities and Victims Panel. According to the introduction:

'In August 2011, we saw shocking acts of opportunistic criminality and vandalism which ruined local businesses, shattered streets and made people feel unsafe in their own homes. The high levels of criminality and anti social behaviour seen over those few days were not acceptable. Although the rioters were made up of a minority of those in society, it was key, that following the riots, we ensured the criminality was addressed through the courts and law was upheld to bring the criminals to justice. This sent a clear and strong message that rioting and looting will not be tolerated in our society today and in the future.'

For a rather more nuanced view, check out Tim Hope's introduction to the March 2012 special issue of cjm on the riots.