Police face backlash for charging victims of anti-social behaviour to report offences
POLICE were blasted for charging victims of anti-social behaviour for reporting offences.
Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove warned many people’s complaints were being ignored or dismissed as “low level”.
And she said “depressingly little” had changed since her husband Garry was killed outside their home after confronting vandals in 2007.
Writing in The Daily Telegraph, she said: “Even trying to report anti-social behaviour on the police 101 phone line can be a struggle, with long waits.
“And why should there be a charge when 999 calls are free?”
Calls to the 101 line cost 15p to cover the costs of the service.
Her report said anti- social behaviour victims were often living in torment amid long delays by police and councils.
Publishing the findings, she said: “The feedback from victims is that they feel they are being persistently targeted by perpetrators, and yet persistently ignored by those with the power to prevent and intervene.”
Drunken behaviour and street boozing was found to be the most common anti-social behaviour, then groups loitering.
The report warned authorities failed to recognise the impact of ASB as it affects victims’ health, work and relationships, and makes them feel unsafe in their home.
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Baroness Newlove set out a plan for improving responses including a review of the 101 phone line. She also wants those repeatedly affected to get the same support as other crime victims.
The Local Government Association said councils take it very seriously but are struggling due to a 60 per cent cut in Government funds in ten years.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, police lead for ASB, said they are working with town halls to combat the problem.
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