Statistics – What Can They Tell Us?

Despite an increase in warning letters issued following youth nuisance, council officers insist antisocial behaviour in the Sleaford area is not on the rise.

Oh..?

Figures released by North Kesteven District Council's anti-social behaviour team show that 46 of these letters were issued last month, compared to about ten a month previously – an increase of about 360 per cent.

So, surely the only conclusion to draw is that – previously – the council staff weren’t doing their bloody jobs?

Or perhaps it’s due to the rise of ‘complaints culture’?

NKDC community safety partnership chairman Councillor Mike Gallagher insisted the increased number of warning letters was "a clear indication of the success of partnership policing" rather than any upsurge in nuisance behaviour.

He added: "It's good to see that promotion we have given to the importance of people feeling confident in reporting their concerns, the safety surgeries we ran last month and the co-ordinated reporting and monitoring enhanced through the Sentinel system have all helped."

They’ve helped in the reporting of ASB certainly. Has that resulted in helping the prevention of it?

He said the increase could also be due to the fact police have recently been given bicycles so are able to arrive at incidents much quicker than previously.

Really?

I hope they’ve all done the safety course then…