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The current affairs series combining original insights into major news stories with topical investigations

The Report: Policing Anti-Social Behaviour

Policing Anti-Social Behaviour

07/10/2010

BBC Radio 4 - The Report, Policing Anti-Social Behaviour

Anti-social behaviour: Jane Dodge reports on how well our streets are policed.

It's estimated that only a quarter of incidents of anti-social behaviour are reported, and in some areas calls aren't taken seriously. Jane Dodge reports on policing our streets.

There were an estimated 12 million incidents of anti-social behaviour in England and Wales last year but only about a quarter were reported to the police. Recent research published by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary suggests that in some areas those calls have not been taken seriously enough, with the emphasis on more 'serious' crime. 

We hear from those on the receiving end of anti-social behaviour, the victims who become prisoners in their own homes and those trying to stop it. Some express frustration with the lack of police action. To get an insight into the challenges of juggling resources and meeting the public expectations we visit three forces in the North of England: Greater Manchester who have been criticised for their approach to anti social behaviour, Lancashire who have been held up as a model force, and Merseyside who have just announced they are going to scrap their anti social behaviour Task Force.

The Chief Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales, Sir Denis O'Connor has said that it's time to 'reclaim some neighbourhoods'. He warned chief constables to think carefully before making cuts as they could tip some areas into a spiral of economic and social decline, and said that what's needed are feet on the street. 

As forces brace themselves for large spending cuts, Jane Dodge looks at the criticism targeted at forces and asks whether the policing of anti-social behaviour will suffer.


Producer: Samantha Fenwick.

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