Anti social behaviour in green spaces - Newcastle City Council

egions select committee inquiry:
‘Our streets and public spaces are something we all experience,
every day on our way to work, school or the shops. If it is dirty
and feels unsafe then people's quality of life is severely affected.
Better street lighting and more CCTV cameras will make people
feel safe. In terms of public safety, one of the reasons why streets
or parks are less used than they should be is because of people's
fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.’
1.8 Anti-social behaviour
Some behaviour is just unpleasant or mildly threatening, for example
playing loud music, energetic skate-boarders, or a large group of
people gathered together. Other anti-social activity is unlawful: for
example leaving litter or fly- tipping, underage drinking or criminal
damage to equipment and facilities. If the offence is described under a
statute it is a summary offence and the police can take action against
an offender. For example the 1972 Road Traffic Act prohibits the use
of a road vehicle on paths and open space. The Dogs (Fouling of land)
Act 1996 requires owners to clear up dog mess.
1.9 Action can also be taken against offenders who breach the local bye-
laws. Bye-laws are made by the Local Authority and usually enforced
by their own staff. Actions prohibited by bye-laws in particular places
may include things like having a dog off the leash, drinking in public
places, or driving a trail or quad bike. Acts such as trespass,
vandalism and damage can also be addressed through the civil courts.
These distressing but minor offences are often not reported to the
Police.
1.10 How do people experience this in green spaces?
Popular, well-used green spaces have less crime and anti-social
behaviour than certain quiet, neglected or out of the way spaces that
few people go to. However even well used areas may be no-go areas
for most law-abiding people at certain times, particularly at night. It is
often the fact that they are quiet, neglected and out of the way that
makes potential users wary of using them in the first place. If the area
is difficult for police or other services to gain access, or difficult to place
under surveillance of any sort, then people can easily be frightened
away. The presence of quantities of rubbish, dog dirt, graffiti, broken
fences and equipment, non-functioning lighting and other signs of bad
behaviour shows us that no one is doing anything to address the
damage and abuse. This in turn gives a message to the perpetrators
that in this space the bad behaviour is going to be tolerated, or at the
very least, no one is likely to do much to stop it. The very nature of the
space can attract would-be miscreants for their various unlawful or antisocial
purposes, since there is little chance of being disturbed or
discovered. This is a vicious circle. The more the space is abused, the
less anyone will want to use it.
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