Anti Social Behaviour Letter
Letter for publication
Sir,
The recent report from the Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor on the policing of anti social behaviour (ASB) puts registered social landlords’ efforts to protect and improve the lives of residents into stark context.
However, no organisation can tackle ASB on its own. It is through a range of agencies working together that inroads can be made into overcoming behaviour which, if left unchecked, can have a devastating impact on people’s lives and well-being.
Sir Denis says: “Confronted by spending cuts, some police chiefs and community safety partnership members may be tempted to reduce the amount of work they do in relation to ASB and concentrate instead upon volume crime.”
I support his belief that policing of ASB must not become a victim of the looming public sector cuts. Police forces that regard tackling ASB as a priority are having a significant effect.
In the Cleveland police area, incidents of ASB are down by nearly 20% according to the latest crime figures. The reduction to 5,083 in figures from August 2010 compares to August 2009, when there were 6347 incidents.
Assistant Chief Constable Sean White said: “Anti-social behaviour is a top priority for Cleveland Police and I am pleased to see significant reductions. We are working closely with local communities and other partners to tackle the issues that really matter to people, and to put in place long term solutions to those problems.”
His words sum up how dealing with ASB should continue to be approached and why it should remain on top of organisations’ agenda even in today’s tough economic climate.
It is impossible to put a price on people’s peace of mind. Helping make residents feel safe and secure within their local community should remain a core strategy for social housing landlords and police forces.
Cath Purdy,
Group Chief Executive (designate) of the Tristar Homes/Housing Hartlepool Partnership