U.K. Has Worst Anti-Social Behavior Problem in Europe

The U.K. has the worst problem with anti-social behavior in Europe, fuelled by alcohol and a lack of discipline in homes and schools, according to a study by the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science at University College London.

The survey of 7,000 people in European countries including France and Germany found 76 percent thought Britain had more of a problem with anti-social behavior than any other country in the region and 83 percent of Britons thought the problem was growing.

Prime Minister Tony Blair's government pledged before last year's election to curb the crime, vandalism and drunkenness it blames for reducing ``respect'' on British streets. At the same time, ministers also relaxed pub rules, allowing bars to apply for round-the-clock licenses to serve alcohol.

``This research is a wake-up call,'' Gloria Laycock, an expert on crime at the Jill Dando Institute, said in a statement today. ``Increasing our access to alcohol cannot be the answer, and it is time that the government addressed perceptions of this problem.''

The government has taken steps to clean up the reputation of Britons abroad. In April, the Foreign Office said it would begin charging fees to aid citizens who get in trouble overseas.

Binge Drinking, Minors

The government and the Association of Chief Police Officers started its fourth Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign yesterday to curb excessive drinking during the summer months. Police will be given greater powers to close bars and clubs that promote binge drinking or stores that sell alcohol to minors.

``This campaign is the next chapter in our drive to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder,'' U.K. Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said in a statement. ``The police now have tougher powers than ever to deal with the minority of drunken revelers and rogue licensees that act irresponsibly.''

British police are also appealing for good behavior from English soccer fans ahead of this summer's World Cup tournament in Germany. Assistant Constable Chief Steve Thomas of Greater Manchester Police will deploy 83 British officers to Germany this summer to help keep a lid on hooligans.

``The reputation should have been put to bed, but it takes a long time for a reputation like that to go away,'' Thomas told the British Broadcasting Corp. ``After Germany, people will finally realize it has gone away and start treating them as they should be, which is on the way they behave.''

Tougher Sentences

The survey also found that half of the respondents thought tougher sentences and punishment would help to cut anti-social behavior in the U.K.

The survey was conducted by TNS, a marketing consultant, in January among people between the ages of 16 and 64. No margin of error was given.

The Jill Dando Institute, which helped devise the study, was opened in 2001 on the second anniversary of the murder of Jill Dando, a BBC television presenter who was shot outside her home. The center aims to help reduce crime and boost detection by researching crime patterns.

Bloomberg