With reports of England fans on their best behaviour in South Africa, local police are determined World Cup watchers will follow suit, and are urging local residents to blow the whistle on anti-social activities ‘inpsired’ by the tournament.
Reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage can increase on match days, often caused by the way in which people chose to either celebrate or commiserate a game’s result.
National figures show that anti-social behaviour can increase by 15 per cent due to people binge drinking and by 20 per cent due to drug use.
Lancaster’s Community Safety Partnership, which includes agencies such as the City and County Councils, Lancashire Police and the local NHS, is working together throughout the World Cup period to reduce these problems by increasing awareness of the risks of alcohol and substance misuse.
The CSP’s ‘Let’s Tackle It’ campaign, which has seen posters go up in pubs, clubs and other social venues across the district, highlights the ways in which offenders can get help through charities such as Drugs Line and Drink Line.
Residents are also being encouraged to report unruly anti-social behaviour to the police and incidents of noise nuisance or other environmental issues to Lancaster City Council.
Diversionary activities are being set up for the area’s youngsters, to provide them with positive activities and reduce juvenile nuisance problems.
“People have been really enjoying the World Cup but we want residents to know that there are places to turn to if they are experiencing problems or want help,” commented CSP chair, Coun Eileen Blamire.
“Those who are being affected by anti-social behaviour can contact the police or the council to seek a resolution, while those who are in need of support because of drink or drug-related problems also have someone to turn to.”
“The World Cup is a fantastic tournament,” she added. “Let’s enjoy it together. However let’s not forget that where behaviour falls below expected standards, action will be taken.”
• Drink Line can be contacted on 0808 917 8282 and Drugs Line can be contacted on 0808 160 6606. Anti-social behaviour can be reported to the police on 01524 63333 or, if it is noise nuisance or environmental damage, which does not require an urgent response, Lancaster City Council on 01524 582000.