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Police and Crime Commissioners have joined Chief Constables to support a week-long campaign highlighting the impact of anti-social behaviour and what the police can do to tackle related crimes.

Sir Graham Bright, Cambridgeshire Police and Crime Commissioner said:

"Anti-social behaviour covers a wide range of unacceptable activities from nuisance neighbours and vandalism, to intimidation. It is a blight on many of our communities and can make victims lives a misery. Often they will be afraid to leave their homes and it wears victims down to the point where sometimes they feel they can't go on and have nowhere to turn. By increasing community cohesion and building trust amongst local communities we can diminish the tendency for people to get involved in anti-social behaviour.

Police and Crime Commissioners have been closely following the progress of the anti-social behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill. We want the police to be given effective powers to tackle anti-social behaviour that provide better protection for victims. In particular, we welcome measures to tackle irresponsible dog ownership but more must be done to tackle dangerous breeds.

One of the key debates is how we divert young people away from committing anti-social behaviour. A small minority of children and young people commit anti-social behaviour so enforcement responses need to be proportionate and effective.

It is also important to have a multi-agency approach to tackling anti-social behaviour as the police are only one part of the solution. By working with local authorities, housing associations and other agencies we can effectively combat anti-social behaviour and empower victims and communities."

Ends

Notes to Editors - PCCs and the APCC

1. For interviews / further information please contact Joel Charles on 07703 124 174.

2. 41 Police and Crime Commissioners replaced Police Authorities on 22.11.12 following elections in every police force area outside London in England and Wales on November 15th 2012.

3. The APCC is a company limited by guarantee. The APCC services are overseen and directed by the Chairman and Board of Directors

APCC Board of Directors;
Chairman of the APCC and Directors: Tony Lloyd PCC
Sir Graham Bright PCC
Anthony Stansfeld PCC
Vera Baird PCC
Ron Ball PCC
Simon Hayes PCC
Cllr Simon Duckworth

4. For the definitive list of PCCs and more information about the Board of the Association of PCCs please visit www.apccs.police.uk

5. The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) offers the following services to PCCs:

• Information on national policing policy issues and legislation.
• Consults PCCs to enable them to develop policy positions and to influence change.
• Facilitates the leadership of PCCs on national governance structures such as the College of Policing, National Crime Agency and Police Professional Bodies.
• Assists PCCs in collaborating to share practice, procure services, and identify ways to achieve efficiencies through working together.