Commissioner welcomes major study into how police handle anti-social behaviour

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has welcomed a major study into how police handle anti-social behaviour.

The study, by academics in Cardiff, is the most detailed analysis of the experiences and perceptions of victims of anti-social behaviour ever undertaken.

Tony said: “In the police and crime plan I recently published, two of the priorities – tackling anti-social behaviour and putting victims at the centre - deal with this issue, which gives some indication of how important I think it is.

“Anti-social behaviour is a blight on many of our communities. Often deemed as ‘low-level’ in terms of crime or nuisance, it can actually make people’s lives a misery. Often they will be afraid to leave their homes and it wears victims down to the point where sometimes they feel they can’t go on and have nowhere to turn.

“That’s what makes high-quality research like this so important. By finding out what real people’s experiences are and analysing that allows us to ensure that we are doing the very best we can for victims.

“I’m pleased that there’s some really good practice at Greater Manchester Police, but there is always more to do – and more to learn.

“Of course, the police are only one part of the solution. Police, local authorities, housing associations and other agencies must work together to effectively combat anti-social behaviour. The report also identifies that putting victims at the centre really does work. This twin-track of partnership working and responding to the needs of victims is the way in which we will beat the bully and build safer communities.”

The report identified common threads of victim perceptions and found that anti-social behaviour could be more effectively targeted by ensuring that police and other agencies understand better the needs of victims.

The report was written by the Universities Police Science Institute at Cardiff University for Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

It can be read at http://www.hmic.gov.uk/publication/personal-situational-and-incidental-vulnerabilities-to-anti-social-behaviour-harm-a-follow-up-study/