Criminal Damage
Nottingham Conference
The Home Office and environmental campaign group, EnCams, recently held a conference on criminal damage. Attended by over 150 people, delegates discussed ideas and experience on reducing levels of this crime.
Criminal damage, often referred to as vandalism, refers to crimes where a person intentionally or recklessly causes damage to another person's property. It includes arson, graffiti, damage to vehicles, buildings, street furniture or personal belongings.
Links to powerpoint presentations for speakers and workshops are below. Security settings for some organisations may not allow you to open the files. Email criminal.damage@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk if you would like copies.
Speakers included:
- ACPO Criminal Damage lead, ACC Jackie Cheer (transcript of video)
- Head of Crime Strategy Unit, Home Office
- Head of Anti Social Behaviour Delivery Unit, Crown Prosecution Service
- Director, Encams
- Policy Manager, Environment Agency
Breakout sessions included:
- Housing
- Neighbourhood level interventions
- Nuisance fires
- Campaigns for behaviour change
- Damage on transport routes (part 1), (part 2)
Questions and comments from delegates at panel sessions included:
- The importance of properly engaging with the local community - including asking about what the problems are and possible solutions.
- What can be done to tackle the theft of emergency hammers from public transport.
- The role of criminal damage in Local Area Agreements.
- The role and funding of youth diversion schemes.
- Engaging and involving the Crown Prosecution Service.
- The vital role of Neighbourhood Policing in tackling criminal damage.
- The importance of sharing good practice and learning from others' experience.
If you would like to know more, or have any other questions, email: criminal.damage@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Last update: Thursday, June 28, 2007
