23.3% dip inanti-social crime

Mr Ford said a local partnership approach in Londonderry involving the local community was key to achieving the reduction.

“While the reduction in anti-social incidents in Foyle is to be welcomed my understanding, from the figures published by PSNI in their Anti-Social Behabiour (ASB) incident monthly update to 31 January 2012, is that there has been a 23.2 per cent reduction in ASB incidents over the past year.

“This reduction in recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour in Foyle can be attributed to the graduated approach and local partnership working between statutory, community and voluntary sectors and to address locally identified issues of concern,” said Mr Ford.

He said the approach was evident in initiatives such as the City Community Safety Warden Scheme, Community Safety Forums, Challenge Underage Drinking and Drink Think.

“The new Community Safety Strategy, which will be published in the coming months, will build on the graduated approach and will set out proposals to address anti-social behaviour through working in greater partnership regionally and locally,” he said.