MPs can now force police to tackle anti-social behaviour

 
31 May 2013
WEST END FINAL

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The “community trigger” scheme — which forces police to tackle anti-social behaviour — is being extended to MPs and councillors.

At present, only individuals and communities can enact the trigger, which requires police or council officers to investigate an incident reported by five people, or three complaints by the same person if no other action has been taken.

Home Secretary Theresa May said a pilot scheme found the trigger was seldom used because residents were reluctant or were being talked out of it by police or officials.

In a letter to Nick de Bois, the Conservative MP for Enfield North, Mrs May said: “This was originally intended to allow family members, friends or carers to use the trigger, but would apply equally to a councillor or MP.”

The trials were carried out in Richmond, Brighton and Hove, Manchester, and West Lindsey and Boston, both in Lincolnshire.

The trigger was introduced after Fiona Pilkington, 38, killed herself and her 18-year-old disabled daughter Francecca in October 2007 after years of torment by youths in Barwell, Leicestershire.

Mrs Pilkington drove them to a lay-by and set the car on fire. An inquest found the family’s appeals for help had been ignored.

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