New measures to fight anti-social behaviour

RESIDENTS across Greater Manchester are less satisfied with how police deal with anti-social behaviour than in other parts of the country.

But Greater Manchester Police say it has put in place new measures to tackle the problem,

A survey of 388 people who reported the behaviour to Greater Manchester Police last year were questioned over their perceptions of anti-social behaviour and their experience in dealing with the police.

The findings, included in a report by Her majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, revealed 63 per cent of people were satisfied with the way police handled the call overall, compared to 65 per cent nationally.

In addition 81 per cent of people were satisfied police listened to what they had to say, compared with 82 per cent nationally and 56 per cent were given enough information from police, in line with the 56 per cent across England and Wales.

But just 50 per cent surveyed felt the call made a difference to the problem, compared with 53 per cent nationally.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “We fully recognise that anti-social behaviour can cause major and far-reaching damage to the quality of people’s life.

“Our response to reports of anti-social behaviour was already under review at the time of this inspection.

“Working with local authorities, we have now put in place extra measures that not only enable us to tackle it more effectively when it occurs, but provide the support and protection for those affected by it. It also makes sure vulnerable people and repeat victims are given the additional support that they need.

“All reports of anti-social behaviour are now graded according to the severity of the incident and vulnerability of the individual and then given the most appropriate response.

“We’re building on what has already been done to tackle this issue and already seeing incidents and perceptions of anti-social behaviour dropping.

“We want people to report these incidents and be confident that they will be listened to, that it will be acted on and that they will be kept informed.”

The report by HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor called for action to restore “civility” in communities and estates. He says police need to take reports of anti-social behaviour more seriously to “stop the rot” and reclaim the streets.

He warns neglecting the issue by reducing the time spent combating the problem in the face of spending cuts will allow the menace to escalate, with more than 26 incidents reported every minute in Britain.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Anti-social behaviour ruins lives and scars communities. The Government will ensure the right tools and powers are available to crack down on perpetrators.”

A review of Asbos and other penalties is under way as a result of a record number of breaches and because fewer police forces and local authorities are using them to tackle yobs.