Anti-crime initiative launched in North

The British government today pledged to plough major resources into cracking soaring crime rates in Northern Ireland.

It has launched a new nine-step plan today in a bid to cut spiralling crime.

Targeting everything from sectarian riots to domestic violence, the Community Safety Strategy has been put out for consultation.

Northern Ireland Office Minister Des Browne described the document as a vital opportunity to halt behaviour which is wrecking lives.

‘‘Crime and the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour has a devastating impact on people’s quality of life,’’ he said.

‘‘We will back up this strategy with resources to underpin the proposals.’’

One of the key recommendations to emerge from the Criminal Justice Review, public, private and voluntary sector organisations have 12 weeks to respond to the safety strategy.

They have been asked to give their views on how crime and anti-social behaviour can be combated, with nine key issues identified.

The issues are domestic burglary, car crime, business and retail crime, offences against women, youth offending and reducing criminality, offences motivated by prejudice and hatred, fear of crime, drug and alcohol abuse, street violence and anti-social behaviour.

Mr Browne stressed: ‘‘People should be able to have confidence in their own and others safety in the areas where they live and work.