Lib Dem's practical measure to cut crime

11.06.13pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 9th Apr 2006

Crime ruins lives. Too many people live in fear, effectively imprisoned by

crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.

But no-one should be afraid to leave their home, to walk down the street

at night, or to let their children play outside.

That's why Liberal Democrats are doing everything we can to cut crime.

Our agenda isn't about headline-chasing, and it isn't about tough talking and

soundbites. It's about what works.

• More police on the beat, with support from community wardens and support

officers.

• Better youth services to get young people off the conveyor belt to crime.

• Investment in street lighting

• Better drug treatment, and community payback for petty criminals

• Local policing contracts, giving communities a say in how the police operate

• Clamping down on graffiti, fly-tipping and vandalism to give people pride in

their environment.

Lib Dem run Islington has pioneered Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to tackle

anti-social behaviour as early as possible - instead of the cumbersome procedures

for ASBOs. They're now used all over the country as an effective alternative to

ASBOs, and even Labour ministers have admitted that Lib Dem ABCs help slash

anti-social behaviour.

Liverpool's Liberal Democrats have cut domestic burglary by a staggering 24%

in two years with its innovative project to gate back alleys between terraces.

Crack houses have been closed down in record-breaking numbers by Liberal

Democrat Lambeth. When Labour ran the council there were 84 homes given

over to crack dealing: that's been cut to just 10 at any one time.

Liberal Democrats in Somerset are fighting back against anti-social behaviour

with a pioneering Community Justice Panel, where offenders are brought

before a community jury. Restorative sentences mean offenders pay back into the

community to make amends.