Crime & Community Safety

Levels of anti-social behaviour and criminal activity among young people are concerns for many Local Authorities (particularly so for people living in poorer neighbourhoods). The scale of youth crime is often a cause for concern and the risk of being a victim of crime is significantly higher for people living on council estates and in low income areas. Young people themselves, however, particularly young men, are also the most likely group in society to be the victim of violent crime.

Reducing anti-social behaviour, crime and the fear of crime is therefore a vital part of improving the quality of life of local people, and in particular the most vulnerable groups such as young people and the elderly.

While Sport & Leisure opportunities alone cannot reduce the levels of youth crime in society, over the last decade or so, sport, outdoor pursuits and constructive leisure activities have become a well-established feature of initiatives aimed at diverting offenders and young people at risk, away from crime.

We fully appreciate the importance of demonstrating the role of Sport & Leisure in relation to Community Safety initiatives and our strategic approach will always take these issues into account.

We can help to audit and plan for the development of Youth Facilities such as Youth Shelters, Skateboard facilities, MUGAs, kickabout areas, etc. We can also review services such as playschemes, holiday activity programmes, outdoor activities, outdoor basketball initiatives, and after school sports clubs in relation to highlighting & improving their contribution to the Community Safety agenda.