I was watching Toughest Towns or something like that once about Belfast and this was a common theme. Some have more faith in street justice than they do with the law and as you pointed out, in some cases it is understandable. The police can only do so much until it’s taken out of their hands by the powers that be.
The other side is, a lot of the young have a go hardmen who have been on the end of this brand of justice are motivated by it as it only adds to the danger and excitement. Much in the same way some see being arrested as a way of gaining status and a reputation in their own little circles.
It depends on the individual. Every week in our local paper (and most likely local papers throughout the country) folk are named as thieves, thugs etc in the court section but the majority don’t care about what people other than their pals think of them hence why their names will probably be there again this week. However, some will see their names there once and never want it to happen again.