There is much research that supports the argument that the results of many of the anti-social acts described above have both a direct and indirect affect on an area – damaging the image and reputation of the area, driving up the levels of fear of crime, and increasing the likelihood of more serious crime such as car thefts, burglary and robbery.
In the North West we have had many successes in reducing anti-social behaviour, especially in some of the more deprived areas. There have been a multitude of various approaches ranging from the “tougher” end of dealing with anti-social behaviour using the powers that recent legislation has brought in – in the shape of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABCs) and issuing fines via Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs).
At the other end of the spectrum there has been much activity involving young people, and people from all parts of the community in clean up campaigns, litter picks and the like.
The link between anti-social behaviour/low level crime and the “cleaner - greener,” environmental improvement efforts are developing well too. Neighbourhood wardens have played an important role in many localities on this work and continue to build community involvement and pride with some excellent results.
Two very large and successful projects in the North West were the “100 Days clean up campaigns” in Burnley and Manchester. These campaigns achieved fantastic improvement/reductions in the types of anti-social activities outlined above using a range of interventions – from education/awareness raising through to tough legal action using whatever powers were appropriate for dealing with individual cases/incidents.
We continue to develop ways of reducing anti-social behaviour in the region and change perceptions about what behaviour is acceptable/not acceptable in our communities and for people living in these communities to work with us and our partners to “stamp it out”.
'Understanding and tackling criminal damage - A briefing paper for North West Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs)'
This briefing paper examines the nature and levels of criminal damage in in the North West. It explores policy developments, provides guidance on data sources, and analysis of criminal damage.
