Worried About Crime?

Concerned About Anti-social Behaviour?

One of the most common reasons people feel fearful of crime is anti-social behaviour. This sort of activity often isn't actually illegal, but it can certainly be threatening, and even frightening.

Anti-social behaviour has a wide legal definition, but in general it is any activity that causes harassment, alarm or distress to other people.

 

Among the forms it can take are:

• graffiti and vandalism
• abusive and intimidating language
• excessive noise, particularly late at night
• fouling the street with litter
• drunken behaviour
• dealing or using drugs

Multi-faceted approach needed

These issues concern everyone in the community. They cannot be written off as generational problems, since they affect the quality of life of young and old alike. And, because of that, they require a wide-ranging response.

 

Just as the problems of anti-social behaviour are varied, the solution must be multi-faceted. An energetic and constructive police response is essential, but other agencies must be involved as well.

 

For example:

• schools need to be involved to deal with truancy and bullying
• local authorities and registered social landlords need to take responsibility for their tenants
• social services need to ensure that they are taking the welfare of the community into account when making their decisions