ALTONÕS new police chief is planning to clamp down on anti-social behaviour in the town by operating a Òlimited toleranceÓ policy which will result in action being taken if offenders fail to change their ways.
While not wishing to appear heavy handed, Insp Tony Tipping is determined to do all he can to rid Alton of the fear of crime, brought about to a large extent by the behaviour of a few who, by their actions, can adversely affect the quality of other peopleÕs lives.
He has balanced his approach by pointing out that it is not always the young who are to blame and that they are citizens too. ÒIt is very often the young who are the victims of crime and they need police protection as much as anyone else in the community,Ó he said.
Nonetheless, those who do step out of line can expect no truck. Insp Tipping believes in a visible police presence and has plans to put more officers back on the beat.
On a more local level, Insp Tipping is dealing with behavioural problems among juveniles which are not classified as obvious offences, by taking details of offenders and writing to their parents.
The first letter outlines the problem, pointing out the effect it is having on the quality of life of other residents within the community and asking the parents to explain to their offspring why they should behave more responsibly.
If this doesnÕt happen, a second letter is sent to reinforce the first which outlines what action will be taken if the offenderÕs behaviour does not improve.
This action could take the form of an Anti-Social Behaviour Contract, drawn up between the child, the police, the parents and the other person or persons involved, be it the landlord, council or private individuals, seeking a visible change in behaviour.
Should the contract be broken the police will then go to the courts for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order which would impose restrictions such as exclusion orders on the individual. To break such an order could lead to prosecution.
While determined not to ignore the problem, by taking this type of graduated approach Insp Tipping believes he will be able to address AltonÕs anti-social behaviour problems and make the town a better place in which to live.