We have collected and analysed data on crime and anti-social behaviour in six different inner city locations in London. These were chosen to reflect different population and cultural profiles and different patterns of conflict and tension in the community. The locations were:
- Dalston, London Borough of Hackney
- Hackney Central, London Borough of Hackney
- Shoreditch, London Borough of Hackney
- Holloway, London Borough of Islington
- West End Central, London Borough of Westminster
- Camden Town, London Borough of Camden
In each of these locations we did three things:
- first we analysed available statistics on patterns of crime and anti-social behaviour as well as the policies for dealing with it;
- second we went out on the streets and observed conflict, crime and and anti-social behaviour;
- third we interviewed a wide range of people about their experiences as well as their ideas about what should be done; this included residents, shopkeepers, business owners, tourists, young people, police, and people who live and work in these areas.
The main findings of this research were:
- the actual level of crime and anti-social behaviour is less than most people think;
- the pattern and type of crime and anti-social behaviour varies from location to location;
- crime and anti-social behaviour is more concentrated in areas with thriving nighttime economies;
- the main factors contributing to crime and asb are: tensions arising from the use of space in different ways by different groups; social and economic factors like poverty and poor housing; and intolerance and demonisation of different groups especially young people;
- the prevention and management of urban conflict is driven by policies and legislation like: the Crime and Disorder Act, Criminal Justice Act, Anti-Social Behaviour Act, and Violent Crime Reduction Act to enforce measures like Anti-Social Behaviour Orders; Dispersal Notices; Controlled Drinking Zones; Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs);
- these policies and legislation have been supported by family, school and community programmes aimed at raising awareness about crime and changing peoples’ behaviours;
- although these measures have had some success, their implementation has led to concerns from across the whole spectrum of the community about issues like: the further labelling and demonisation of young people, the creation of a culture of controntation on the streets; and too much emphasis on enforcement and not enough on prevention.
What we are going to do now in the next phase of the project is to work with the different community groups and authorities in one of the six areas (Hackney) to develop and put into practice new ways of dealing with conflict. To make this work we need you to get involved. Find out more by following the link.