Findings showed that those at high risk of custody were those who had previously failed to appear in court after being released on bail, those who had been charged with a further offense while on bail, and those with no fixed residence. The majority of defendants did not have these high-risk factors, however. For them, the type of offense seemed to be the most important factor in the decision regarding detention. Of the four offense groups studied, a charge of burglary involved the highest risk and a charge of theft the least risk of custody. Figures, tables, one reference, and list of Home Office research reports.