Examines existing systems of recording and monitoring incidents in police and local authorities and identifies examples of good practice. Explores the use and effectiveness of different approaches to tackling anti-social behaviour including prevention, enforcement and particularly resettlement. Investigates the ways in which the management of anti-social behaviour in private housing can be improved. Looks at ways of engaging and working with residents and describes effective interventions such as acceptable behaviour contracts and anti-social behaviour orders.

Anti-social behaviour can have a damaging effect on residential areas and on attempts to renew and upgrade neighbourhoods. Most action taken by local authorities and the police to tackle the problem in the past has focused on enforcement action against tenants in social rented accommodation. However, since the introduction of Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, a more radical look is being taken and the research aimed to document some of the innovative solutions being tried out.

A literature review was undertaken, and an anti-social behaviour activity database set up. There were initial stakeholder interviews, and a postal survey of all Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships. Eight in-depth case studies were prepared, and a Good Practice seminar was held with policy-makers and practitioners.

Having a named person to co-ordinate action on anti-social behaviour in a neighbourhood has resulted in the development of a variety of innovative schemes and projects. In order to tackle effectively problems of youth nuisance and anti-social behaviour, the nature of the problem in the area needs to be understood, multi agency partnerships need to be developed and residents need to be engaged to build community capacity.

Sheffield Hallam University
Judy Nixon, tel. +44 114 225 4268

01/03/2003

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Nixon, Judy et al

research

Urban Policy > Security & crime prevention > Anti-crime policy

Anti-social behaviour & vandalism