Anti-social Behaviour in the spotlight
Stevenage Neighbourhood Watch Forum teamed up with Thomas Alleyne School, Hertfordshire Constabulary and Stevenage Borough Council to organise a Community Safety evening which was attended by Barbara Follett MP on Friday 14 March.
The focus of the evening was on "Anti-Social Behaviour". Anti-social behaviour can range from very serious, perhaps criminal behaviour such as drug dealing, racial harassment and physical violence to less serious but equally distressing behaviour including loud music, barking dogs and verbal abuse.
Anti-social behaviour is a widespread problem that can seriously damage the quality of life of those people who live in communities where it is a concern. Over the past couple of years new measures have been put in place to tackle the problem. These include new powers to curtail the activities of people who indulge in persistent anti-social behaviour, powers to tackle irresponsibly run licensed premises and a wider range of Court sentences.
There is no one solution that will work for all areas. Each community’s own local authorities, police and other agencies need to put a range of measures in place based on information gained from local people and the nature of the problem in their area.
Speaking at the event on the topic of "Why Anti-Social Behaviour is the Top Priority in the National Policing Plan", Mrs Follett said "The government’s recent White Paper on Anti-Social Behaviour gives local authorities sweeping powers to evict and disperse persistent offenders. It also allows the removal of benefits and the Right to Buy from nuisance neighbours. I welcome it".
Barbara Follett MP at the Stevenage Neighbourhood Watch Forum Community Safety Evening
Issued: 20.03.03
Further information
Please contact Faye Bunch via the 'Contact' page, or by fax on 020 7219 1158.
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