RESIDENTS were being urged to take a stand against antisocial behaviour as part of York Police's Say No To Crime Day today.

York Police and the Safer York Partnership were promoting their third Say No To Crime event.

The theme this year was antisocial behaviour and activities were focused on tackling antisocial behaviour in the community.

High-visibility police patrols were concentrating on areas of the city where complaints about such behaviour have been most frequent.

Sgt Mike Stubbs, of York Police, said: "When I and my colleagues speak to residents in the city, it is clear that antisocial behaviour is a high priority for them. For this reason, we and the Safer York Partnership took the decision that it would be appropriate to dedicate this Say No To Crime Day solely to tackling this issue."

Tanya Lyon, crime reduction manager for Safer York Partnership, said: "We are well aware of the misery antisocial behaviour can cause to individuals and communities.

"Safer York Partnership fully supports Say No To Anti-social Behaviour Day which should reinforce the message to the residents of York they are not be expected to tolerate such a blight to their lives.

"Co-ordinated partnership working is making positive headway in ensuring that the whole range of antisocial behaviour offences from underage drinking through to the more serious behaviour of a small minority, will be tackled in the most effective way possible."

Police activities were taking place throughout the day but were concentrating on the afternoon and evening periods when complaints about antisocial behaviour are more prevalent.

Neighbourhood Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers were joined by Special Constables and officers from other departments in city-wide patrols.

Sgt Stubbs said it was also an opportunity to highlight the work that had been done across the city to address such problems.

He said: "In York, we already have an excellent record of working with other agencies to improve the lives of residents who have suffered from antisocial behaviour.

"In particular, we have close links with many City of York Council departments such as Housing and Tenancy Enforcement, Youth Services, Trading Standards, Youth Offending Team and Legal Services.

"This has allowed us to intervene early and try and divert offenders away from their activities through schemes such as the Youth Inclusion Support Programme.

"We have also demonstrated that, where necessary, we will support each other to take enforcement action."

The Evening Press reported last week on the eviction of nuisance neighbour Jane Elcock from a house in Clifton where the Neighbourhood Policing Team provided evidence to support the legal proceedings brought by City of York Council.

:: We asked a selection of shoppers in the centre of York what they thought about the city's Say No To Crime initiative

Antony Scantena, 26, of Lawrence Street, York, said: "I'm not sure it's such a good idea. I don't think it's worth it. The surveillance cameras catch a lot of the crime these days so I'm not sure putting extra patrols out is worthwhile."

Danny Langstaff, 20, of Cornlands Road, Acomb, said: "I think it's a great idea. We could do with more events like this. There's plenty of antisocial behaviour goes on in Foxwood and Chapelfields so I'm sure they'll have plenty to go on."

Carolyn Southcoat, 42, from Stamford Bridge, said: "I agree with the idea. We had our car stolen from outside our house last year and the police had to rely on CCTV footage which wasn't good enough in the end."

Nick Wharton, 30, of Fossgate, said: "I think days like this help to build more of a sense of community and encourage people to have a sense of pride if they are able to come out and help the police with their job.

Updated: 08:57 Tuesday, August 23, 2005