Equating Anti-Social Behaviour
The assertion that anti-social behaviour reports have dropped 35 per cent as part of a highly successful campaign by Stoke on Trent City Council is not as clear cut as one would believe.
Whereas just because reports of disruptive behaviour has dropped does not necessarily mean that the scourge of drug dealing and other anti-social behaviours in communities is decreasing.
-
Civic Centre Public Entrance that way: If only it was this easy for answers to the ASB question. It seems that Stoke on Trent City Council and Housing Associations alike put the onus on the already besieged resident to build up a dossier on suspected drug dealing in their area
People just aren't reporting it.
Furthermore, Housing Associations mistakenly term drug dealing as anti-social behaviour; so when Housing Officers are tipped off about drug dealing on a complex they ask other tenants/residents if they can also confirm that anti-social behaviour is occurring.
Cheap Van Insurance(Commercial & Private Use) - Contact Insure365...
View detailsCheap Van Insurance(Commercial & Private Use) - Contact Insure365 01782 898188. Free Legal Protection Included Valued at £25.00
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Friday, June 21 2013
Of course the neighbours in the same community report that they have not witnessed anti-social behaviour not realising that drug dealing is termed as such. Many equate anti-social behaviour with rowdy gangs of youths getting drunk in the street.
On the other hand, some people are not comfortable with contacting the police themselves and others do not want to get involved full stop.
The remits governing Housing Association's and Council's anti-social behaviour policy should include separate terminology for drug activity.
In addition, something should also be put into place to take the pressure off residents plagued by drug dealing in their area.
Currently the onus is on the already stressed neighbours to record times and dates of suspected drug dealing in order that the Housing Association/Council can build up a case for prosecution.
Drug dealing lowers the morale of all those in the community which has a knock-on effect for other anti-social behaviours to occur.
7 Comments
by Holeinhole
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 8:41AM
“campaign forget get them it need 24/7 in your face for this type of yob”
by leglessharry
Monday, March 04 2013, 4:12PM
“ASB reports might well have dropped. But the amount of scum and filth plaguing this city has risen ten-fold. We are drowning in filth. But as long as Stoke City Council pensions are sorted that's all we care about.”
by OddSock
Friday, March 01 2013, 8:42PM
“its rife teenager delinquents rule,people don't tell the police cause there are non now,we get lied to by the government & council with figures which are lies,we don't believe what these CORRUPT IDIOTS TELL US,they must think the general public are born yesterday idiots!!!”
by Moanamanna
Friday, March 01 2013, 5:23PM
“Drug dealing is anti social but yes I agree does seem to understate it calling it ASB. However, if it wasn't classed such then anti-social behaviour figures would be even lower even if a separate record of drug dealing would be high. Not only have I lived in such an area, I was a bobby for eleven years and I accept the points about non- reporting. But, it is still disengenuous to suggest that there it is merely down to 35% or more people on top of those who already never did who are now not reporting as opposed to measures aimed at tackling it having some success. The figures are externally audited so it would be foolhardy to manipulate them, what is more it simply isn't worth it. My job would be too important particularly these days to be sacked and shamed for making up false figures. Whilst I do have my issues with the ways certain things are recorded we can't just keep crying foul when there are positive results and roll our eyes as though its no surprise when the figures are poor. I do not work, nor have any allegiance to the Police or council, but I am realistic and we have to have some measure, plus we should be positive when apparent improvements are made. I stick to my initial statement, made through much experience and a sense of optimism we could all do with. I do respect your and other opposing opinions though.”
by Dazwozere
Friday, March 01 2013, 3:34PM
“Moananmanna, you needed to get that rant off your chest. I find this to be very accurate journalism being as I have lived in a street and have had neighbours drug dealing. Have you? The council are manipulating statistics so it looks like they have a feather in their cap. On their website it clearly states that drug dealing is classed as anti-social behaviour. I think it is a bit more than that don't you?”
by Moanamanna
Friday, March 01 2013, 3:13PM
“No it's dropped. Some or even many don't report it so it is always under estimated but this is merely an accurate reflection of the difference in under estimations. Not even more people not bothering. These kinds of doom mongering reports when it is positive news is irresponsible, cynical journalism. Rant over.”
by stokiemart
Friday, March 01 2013, 2:57PM
“Drug legislation in the UK reaps exactly what it sows :-)”