We need your help to stamp out anti-social behaviour – Commissioner’s plea to communities

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd

Combating anti-social behaviour is the responsibility of police, fire service, councils, housing associations and local communities, says Tony Lloyd.

Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner was speaking out in support of a national campaign, launched by the Association of Chief Police Officers to coincide with the darker nights, Halloween and Bonfire Night, which traditionally leads to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Reports of anti-social behaviour across Greater Manchester have increased by nine per cent to 145,118, compared with 132,827 the year before.

Mr Lloyd said: “Anti-social behaviour is a blight on our communities and makes people’s lives a misery. I’ve met with victims of anti-social behaviour and seen the devastating impact it has on them, often afraid to leave their homes, feeling like they have nowhere to turn and for some, accepting it as a way of life.

“This is not acceptable - more needs to be done to tackle it and we all have a part to play. Tackling anti-social behaviour and putting victims at the centre are central to my police and crime plan, which shows how important I think this issue is. Police, councils, housing associations, the fire service have a responsibility to work in partnership to make sure we’re meeting the needs of victims and empower communities to work with agencies to stamp out anti-social behaviour.”

Police and the fire service have launched the annual Treacle campaign which highlights the consequences of antisocial behaviour, criminal damage and the misuse of fireworks around Halloween and Bonfire Night.

“We traditionally see an increase in anti-social behaviour at this time of year but it’s important to remember that it’s not just young people who are to blame,” adds Tony.

“Many reports are about anti-social residents who just don’t care about their neighbours. This is where housing associations, landlords and councils can help by taking a tough stance against this sort of behaviour and making it clear that’s there’s no place for anti-social behaviour in our communities.”