Finding a balance
Allerdale generally has low levels of crime, but we do have concentrated pockets that give cause for concern.
Crime and anti-social behaviour aren't new. A lot of us may have been guilty of some of the 'low level' anti-social behaviour we complain about today, but we need to work with our local police force and other agencies to better understand the issues and identify a range of solutions for prevention, education and enforcement where necessary.
Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activity that causes harm to an individual, the community or to the environment. It leaves people feeling alarmed, harassed or distressed.
Examples of anti-social behaviour issues across our borough include:
- Nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours
- Vandalism and graffiti
- Street drinking
- Drug misuse
- Environmental damage including littering, dumping of rubbish and abandonment of cars
- Fireworks misuse
- Inconsiderate or inappropriate use of vehicles
Some of these come at great cost to Allerdale residents when we have to react, cleaning up the aftermath for example. Often it can be cheaper in the long run to prevent it.
Local authorities, along with the police and other community safety partner agencies, have a responsibility to deal with anti-social behaviour and to help people who are suffering from it.
Allerdale Conservatives will develop a new anti-social behaviour team to work with the police and partner agencies in an attempt to highlight problem areas and develop solutions.