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People who have helped fight crime in their neighbourhoods were met today by Home Office Minister Alan Campbell to kick off a week of nationwide activity highlighting work going on in communities to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

Not in My Neighbourhood Week

As 'Not in my neighbourhood week (new window)' begins Alan Campbell was taken on a walk about in York to see the fight against anti-social behaviour in action with graffiti being removed from public spaces by the safer York partnership.

The Minister also met with residents who have benefited from a range of crime fighting initiatives in the area, including the 'Light up lock up' campaign which gave out free lights and timer switches to encourage people to leave a light on when they leave home for the day to deter burglars.
 
Previous projects have included the 'One in four (new window)' campaign, informing residents of the importance of securing their homes while they spend time in their gardens during the summer months.
 
Work in York to combat crime is having a positive effect as overall crime rates fell by 2% between 07/08 and 08/09 according to police recorded crime figures.

Statement from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State

Alan Campbell said, 'Presenting a united front in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour is vital. It’s often the simple things, like leaving on a light, closing a window, or taking graffiti off a wall, which can make a real difference. 

'Not in my neighbourhood week is an important opportunity to showcase the great work going on both here in York, and across the country, informing local people of action taking place in their area to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour and to make their communities safer'.

Statement from the head of neighbourhood management for York

Kate Bowers said, 'Community safety is high on York residents’ agenda and as a partnership we try to respond in ways that meet their needs. The uptake of free timer switches and energy efficient light bulbs at ward committee meetings has been encouraging and we are hopeful that the light up lock up campaign will build on the success of our one in four campaign.'

This week of activity follows the Home Secretary recently renewing his commitment to drive down anti-social behaviour through better support for victims and tough action on anti-social behaviour order (ASBO (new window)) breaches.

He also made clear that where local authorities and the police are not responding to the needs of residents in tackling anti-social behaviour, they will be challenged and supported to help them drive up their performance.

Notes to editors

Further information on not in my neighbourhood week (new window) is available on the Home Office Crime Reduction website.

Find out more on the safer York partnership (new window).

Read more on the work the government is doing to tackle antisocial behaviour (new window).

For further information please contact David Langton at the Home Office Press Office on 020 7035 3835