How Can Neighbourhoods Tackle Anti-Social Behavior?

How Can Neighbourhoods Tackle Anti-Social Behavior?

Anti-social behavior can be found in any neighborhood and can range from graffiti to more serious crime. This problem leads to a sense of decay in some communities, increased fear of crime, and limited social networking. But what is the cause, and how can it be tackled?

The police are responsible for tackling anti-social behavior on a local level. They often employ methods like stop checks in areas that have been identified as having a problem with anti-social behavior. However, this can lead to communities not trusting the police because they feel that their section of the community is being wrongfully targeted.

Also, the introduction of security cameras can deter criminals from committing crimes in an area, which subsequently gives that area a sense of security and its residents a feeling of safety. It also prevents criminals from feeling secure, knowing that there’s a higher potential for them to get caught.

What Can Locals Do?

Neighborhoods can tackle anti-social behavior by taking on a wider view of the problem and taking steps to stop vandalism.

Engage In Neighbourhood Watch Schemes

Neighborhood watch schemes are often the best option for tackling anti-social behavior. These schemes ensure that there is a greater number of people watching and coming together to tackle low-level anti-social behavior and crime.

Get Involved With Your Community

Local residents can become actively involved with the community. Getting involved not only helps to tackle anti-social behavior, but it will also help you to feel more a part of your local hub and make new friends. Plus, knowing the people in your community is often enough to reduce the levels of anti-social behavior committed by young people.

Furthermore, studies have shown that if people feel they have a voice in their neighborhood, they are more likely to report anti-social behavior and crime, which then leaves criminals feeling they may get caught if they offend. In turn, this reduces crime because criminals don’t want to take the risk of being caught.

Push For The Installation Of Security Lighting

High visibility lighting can also be used to deter criminals from committing crimes in an area and reduce youths’ anti-social shenanigans. Lighting is essential for sites with high volumes of foot and vehicle traffic, so it should be installed in parks and on bridges where many people gather. When used properly, it will give people the feeling of safety they need and may deter criminals.

Provide Teens With Facilities

Teenagers should not be made to feel unwelcome on their own doorstep. All too often, facilities like youth community centers get closed down to cut costs. This is a false economy as now local teens are left with nothing to do. Bored teens tend to look for ways to entertain themselves, and often this takes the form of anti-social behavior.

Improve The Neighborhood’s Appearance

Keeping the area clean and tidy is also essential. This can prevent criminals from feeling confident in committing crimes because they will know that those who live in the area are likely to report them if they do so – even if they have the element of surprise.

There are also significant health benefits to improving the quality, safety, and appearance of your neighborhood. A better environment can result in calmer, less aggressive adults and children.

What’s more, the appearance of the streets, homes, and buildings and how people interact with each other have profound effects on individual and public health. If people feel more at home in their neighborhoods they are more likely to look after themselves.