This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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‘Being tough on crime works’ – First Minister
16/06/2003
Successful action to tackle anti-social behaviour has given a community in London renewed hope and shows what can also be achieved in Scotland.
First Minister Jack McConnell has heard how local despair at rising levels of crime and youth disorder in the Slade Green area of Bexley, led to the launch of a concerted campaign by residents, police, the council and a local housing association.
Anti-social behaviour orders against a hardcore of persistent young offenders have proved especially effective.
The First Minister was visiting the area to share ideas on dealing with crime and disorder in advance of the publication later this month of proposals for an Anti-Social Behaviour Bill in Scotland. Its measures will include the introduction of similar orders for young offenders in Scotland.
After meeting local residents, Jack McConnell said:
"Crime and anti-social behaviour tear at the social and economic fabric of communities across Britain.
"The lack of respect for people and property that afflicts decent people in Bexley is very similar to the one that blights many parts of Scotland. But while the common problem causes real misery, we can also turn this similarity to our advantage.
"I wanted to hear at first hand from people in Bexley how they have fought back successfully against crime and youth disorder, as we step up our efforts to do the same in Scotland.
"Bexley people know that being tough on anti-social behaviour works. Works by tackling the debilitating conditions that are often at the root of more serious and violent crime, and by creating stronger and safer communities. Communities where people feel safer and have a much better quality of life.
"That is why, through our new Bill, we will introduce new Anti-Social Behaviour Orders for under 16s in Scotland. These orders for adults have already proved successful in cracking down on nightmare neighbours - it is now time to put an end to the situation where a handful of youngsters can terrorise a neighbourhood with impunity."
Anti-social behaviour orders for young offenders are part of a broad youth crime strategy in Bexley that includes victim initiatives and better parenting. The community has also taken action to combat and clean up graffiti, set up a taskforce to deal with abandoned cars, improve street lighting, increase CCTV coverage and more park security.
Crime in Bexley has fallen by 6.8% in the last year which makes Bexley the best performing Borough in the Metropolitan Police area in crime reduction for 2002/03. Since 2001, Bexley Community Safety Partnership's current crime reduction strategy has reduced vehicle crime by 18%, disorder by 13%, vandalism by 20% and street crime by 25%. Street robbery in Slade Green has dropped by 85% and car crime by 29%.
Before the launch of the Slade Green Community Safety Action Zone, a survey showed 22% of residents in Slade Green who responded felt safe at night in their area. After the launch, another survey showed 93% of residents in Slade Green felt safe at night in their area.