Bus drivers and posties to look out for crime as poverty bites

POSTAL workers, bus drivers and shopkeepers are being asked to sign up to a Neighbourhood Watch initiative amid fears the cost of living crisis will lead to a surge in anti-social behaviour.

Harassment, vandalism and criminal damage are expected to rise as the economy worsens and opportunities for young people become more limited.

With neighbourhood policing being reduced in most areas, there are concerns that communities could begin to feel increasingly vulnerable.

In response, Neighbourhood Watch, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is launching a Community Safety Charter, asking workers and residents to keep an eye out for one another.

Organisers are encouraging postal workers on their rounds, bus drivers on regular routes and shopkeepers to look out for “incidents of concern”.

They are then urged to report the matter to the appropriate authorities and offer support to the victim.

The initiative is an extension of the traditional Neighbourhood Watch model, which was based on people keeping an eye out for burglars.

John Hayward-Cripps, chairman of Neighbourhood Watch Network, said the cost of living crisis was likely to lead to a surge in anti-social behaviour.

But he said everyone from postal workers to bus drivers could play a part in helping to tackle it.

He said: “Traditionally, when there are downturns and times are hard, crimes such as theft and shoplifting tend to go up. If people have less money these crimes increase, it is not rocket science. But also when there are higher levels of poverty, the number of opportunities for people goes down.

“If you think about young people – who are often the ones associated with anti-social behaviour – limited resources means their aspirations, the things they like to do, tend to dry up.”