According to one young people's charity there is lots to be learnt from crime prevention methods of the past. KERRY ANN EUSTICE peeks into the Rainer charity's archives.

When looking at its archives in preparation for its 200th anniversary, young people's charity Rainer found anti-social behaviour was rife in the 1800s.

To combat cases of lawlessness and potential crime by children, a reform programme dating as far back as 1806 was launched by the charity (known as the Philanthropic Society at the time). It has now been dubbed the 200-year-old ASBO (Anti-social behaviour order).

The programme saw children as young as nine referred to the charity's reformatory in an attempt to deter them from turning to serious crime similar to the modern ASBO approach.

Children were sent from prison or the courts. In some cases high-risk behaviour was identified in time and nipped in the bud.

Old Rainer log books, stored in the Surrey History Centre, describe behaviour considered ungovernable or incorrigible.

One log of James Brady, aged nine, reads: "This boy is of ungovernable temper and behaves very ill to his mother who can maintain no influence over him; he is in utmost danger from the bad company he keeps."

And of Samuel Mitton, aged 14: "Has no father. His mother, a poor woman, unable to keep him out of the streets where he had been guilty of several depredations."

Children and young people sent to the charity's reformatory were given a vocational education and taught specialist skills by craftsmen such as printers, tailors and ropemakers. The society believed prevention, not punishment, was key to reducing crime.

Rainer's south London appropriate adult service manager Joseph Kiguwa said: "These archives are important because they help to put modern debates around anti-social behaviour into context. We need to learn the lessons of 200 years ago.

"In Lewisham and Greenwich education, training and employment are key areas we are addressing to help young people lead successful lives."

The charity's chief executive Joyce Moseley said: "Although two centuries apart, the similarities between the periods are striking.

"There was a growing fear of young people and the perceived levels of youth crime and delinquency.

"Through the charity they had access to proper housing, support and education, elements which have only just begun to appear in the modern Respect agenda."

Although there is no reformation-style system in place now, as there was in 1806, Rainer is working with young people in the south east who have no support if they are arrested or due in court.

Visit raineronline.org