Since the late 1970's, and particularly after the 1980- 81 and 1985 riots, political debates about the black crime issue have also been strongly influenced by the phenomena of urban unrest and civil disorder. The racial aspects of the discussions also help explain the increasingly politicized nature of the response to the two issues. The ideological construction of the involvement of young blacks in mugging and other forms of street crime provided the basis for developing strategies of control aimed at keeping young black persons off the streets and keeping the police in control of areas identified as crime-prone. It also helped bring to the forefront a preoccupation with the social and economic roots of alienation and criminal activity among young blacks, particularly the issue of unemployment. However, it was also reflected in the increasing preoccupation of the police and other agencies with crime in inner cities. The public debate about race and crime is likely to remain an important part of the political agenda, given the current political environment and recent developments in London, Birmingham, and Manchester