ACS

People who have helped fight crime in their neighbourhoods were met today by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell to kick off a week of nationwide activity highlighting work going on in communities to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

As 'Not in my neighbourhood week ‘ begins Alan Campbell was taken on a walk about in York to see the fight against anti-social behaviour in action with graffiti being removed from public spaces by the safer York partnership.

The Minister also met with residents who have benefited from a range of crime fighting initiatives in the area, including the 'Light up lock up' campaign which gave out free lights and timer switches to encourage people to leave a light on when they leave home for the day to deter burglars.

Work in York to combat crime is having a positive effect as overall crime rates fell by 2% between 07/08 and 08/09 according to police recorded crime figures.

Alan Campbell said, 'Presenting a united front in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour is vital. It’s often the simple things, like leaving on a light, closing a window, or taking graffiti off a wall, which can make a real difference.
'Not in my neighbourhood week is an important opportunity to showcase the great work going on both here in York, and across the country, informing local people of action taking place in their area to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and to make their communities safer'.

This week of activity follows the Home Secretary recently renewing his commitment to drive down anti-social behaviour through better support for victims and tough action on anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) breaches.

He also made clear that where local authorities and the police are not responding to the needs of residents in tackling anti-social behaviour, they will be challenged and supported to help them drive up their performance.