Hull MP launches new local guide on beating anti-social behaviour

The Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has joined Hull North MP Diana Johnson to launch The Hull North Anti-Social Behaviour Handbook.

The handbook, by Diana Johnson MP, provides guidance and advice to Hull North residents and communities for dealing with a wide range of local anti-social behaviour problems including loitering gangs, graffiti, dumped cars, fireworks and nuisance neighbours.

The guide gives an up-to-date account of the legal rights that individuals now have to remedy these problems and the powers available to the police and local authorities. The handbook also contains telephone and website contact details for local organisations engaged in anti-crime work in Hull North.

Diana is giving out copies of the Hull North Anti-Social Behaviour Handbook free of charge to Hull North constituents. Hull North residents can also be sent a printed copy by writing to Diana Johnson MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA; or by ringing Diana's Hull Office on 01482 319135. The handbook can also be downloaded from the 'Publications' section of Diana's website at www.dianajohnson.co.uk.

Diana Johnson MP said: "From fly-posting to fireworks, gangs to graffiti, many forms of anti-social behaviour can blight local communities.

"Over the past decade, the Labour Government has given new powers and resources to local police, communities and individual citizens to combat and prevent anti-social behaviour in all its guises. As these new powers have become available, they have been the main cause of the local successes in cutting crime in recent years. However, new powers are only effective if they are used.

"This guide gives local residents and groups in Hull North a concise account of the legal powers and responsibilities that police, local authorities and individual householders now have for dealing with anti-social behaviour.

"I want law-abiding Hull North people to know their rights. The Hull North Anti-Social Behaviour Handbook is completely free and I hope that it will be a practical tool to help Hull North people drive out anti-social behaviour from their neighbourhoods."