I want more bad behaviour reported

The number of reports of anti-social behaviour has dropped significantly in South Bucks over the past few months. Statistics show that as a result of determined action we have taken together with South Bucks District Council over the past year, the level of anti-social behaviour has reduced dramatically.

From May 2008 to May 2009 we received 4,146 reports, and this fell to 3,309 during the next twelve months - a drop of more than 20 per cent.

As the Local Police Commander for South Bucks District, you would probably expect me to be happy with this. Unfortunately, I am not.

Although from the feedback we are getting from the public it is clear that we are winning, I want more reports about anti-social behaviour. Whether it is littering, swearing in public, graffiti, loud music, underage drinking or anything else that is bothering you in your neighbourhood: don’t put up with it report it.

With the summer holidays upon us, my team and I are mindful of the potential for more anti-social behaviour.

It may come as a surprise to some residents that, given the many pressures on us, tackling anti-social behaviour is a huge priority for Thames Valley Police and South Bucks District Council.

There are two reasons why tackling anti-social behaviour is so important to us.

The first is that it is a serious quality of life issue for some people. Having nuisance neighbours or having to put up with loud music, littering or graffiti can make people feel unsafe and harassed, which is unacceptable.

The second reason is that even low level anti-social behaviour can easily escalate when someone has finally had enough.

Thanks to the information from residents who have spoken about anti-social behaviour, my neighbourhood policing teams and the specialist anti-social behaviour team staffed by Thames Valley Police officers and South Bucks District Council officers have identified a number of trouble makers who have been dealt with.

Some have agreed to behave themselves in future by signing acceptable behaviour contracts, others had to be given ASBOs by the courts. The result, however, has been the same: they have been warned, which acts as a deterrent for their peers.

So there you have it.

Tackling anti-social behaviour works – but only if you report it. So next time you witness someone behaving anti-socially, show that you don’t tolerate it by reporting it. To report anti-social behaviour, dial 0845 8 505 505

Chief Inspector Paul Cook, local area commander for South Bucks