More to antisocial behaviour than just street youths

Greater Manchester Police is supporting a national campaign to raise awareness about the blight of antisocial behaviour (ASB) which is all too often brushed off as just young people hanging around.

The impact of ASB has long-lasting effects on victims and GMP Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan has said more needs to be done with the help of the community to tackle the effects and stamp it out.

ACC Shewan, said: “For many victims affected by this crime, they have sadly come to accept it as a way of life. Many no longer feel safe in their own homes, which makes them feel like prisoners, and this is simply not acceptable. GMP our community members and local shops need to stop looking on and do something positively about it. By doing nothing, they are allowing it to take root and become a problem.

“Everyone has a right to go about their daily life without the fear of becoming a victim. In the run up to Halloween and Bonfire Night our officers and staff have visited schools to teach young people about respecting their neighbours at this time of year and to not make their fun someone else’s misery.”

The national initiative has been launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to coincide with the dark nights drawing in, Halloween (31 October) and Bonfire Night (5 November) which traditionally leads to an increase in ASB.

Across Greater Manchester there have been 145,118 reported incidents of ASB an increase of nine per cent however a recent police survey carried out between October 2012 and September 2013 of residents show that only three per cent of residents who took part perceived high levels of ASB in their area.

ACC Shewan added: “Measures such as the Antisocial Behaviour Order alone are not enough and won’t make a matter go away. It is more about the whole concept of things such as restorative justice and this involves the support of the whole community who can help make a difference.

“Tackling antisocial behaviour remains a priority for the Force and together with our partners we will work hard to stamp out the problems affecting our communities.”