Source: The Independent (UK)

Contact: letters@independent.co.uk
Webpage: http://www.independent.co.uk/stories/A0209708.html

Briefing

SOCIETY Drugsrelated crime is biggest fear for Britons.

Almost half the population consider drugs and drugrelated offences to
be the biggest crime problem in the country, far ahead of burglary and
assault, says a survey published today. Many people said they would be
willing to get involved in community work with young people if this
would help to reduce crime in their area.

The Government will be cheered by the high level of support for the
concept of "zero tolerance" removing graffiti, drunks and aggressive
beggars from the streets in an attempt to create an environment where
more serious crimes do not occur.

Drugs and drugrelated offending were described as the country's
biggest crime problem by 45 per cent of the public. Burglary and
assault were ranked first by 17 per cent and 13 per cent of people
respectively.

More than 2,000 people took part in the MORI survey for the
Bristolbased NatWest Insurance Services and the national crime
prevention charity Crime Concern, which looked at attitudes in mainland
Britain.