CRIME-fighting schemes across the globe form the subject of a new four-month study at the University of York.

Researchers at the university's Centre for Criminal Justice Economics and Psychology will compare methods used to tackle violent crime in developing countries.

The Department for International Development-funded study could help to create practical guidance for countries where lawlessness threatens to divert attention from fundamental economic issues.

Economics researcher Joseph Akpokodje, who is working with a team led by Professor Roger Bowles, said the findings would support further work into the cost and benefits of various systems.

He said: "There is a growing need to assess the evidence about the effectiveness of various crime-fighting programmes, and the recent rise in crime rates has increased concerns about personal safety and property.

"In some countries, violent crime and its effects on victims is attracting attention away from traditional economic problems."

Updated: 10:45 Monday, November 04, 2002