Antisocial Behaviour

This measure relates to:
Te OrangaMaurioraWaioraTe Mana Whakahaere
"Getting to the bottom of why graffiti is on the rise. What is the community missing for these kids and how can we help them. More community services? More support, kids groups, community groups or safe supervised hangouts for kids."  [City Health Profile participant]
 

There is no precise definition of antisocial behaviour. Generally it describes persistent behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harm or distress to people in the surrounding area.  Antisocial behaviour can cause people to feel unsafe outside their homes, leading to greater social isolation.

In Christchurch, common forms of antisocial behaviour causing concern include:

  • dangerous driving
  • graffiti
  • vandalism
  • littering
  • drug and alcohol-fuelled behaviour, and
  • the activities of "boy racers".

The 2010 Quality of Life Survey found that 77% of residents saw dangerous driving as a problem in their area.  Other issues identified were graffiti (73%), alcohol and drug problems (66%), car theft or damage to cars (60%), vandalism (51%) and the presence of unsafe people (47%).

Read the full issue summary on antisocial behaviour [PDF] - updated August 2016.

"Night-time can be quite scary for older folk. This area seems to have the very young prowling and doing vandalism. There is not enough publicity given to damage done. The Public Library had nearly all the plate glass windows etched deeply. Same with the Post office and St Vincent de Paul store. Not a word in the local papers. Many letterboxes have been replaced more than once.I think some sort of private eye in plain cars and clothes should be employed to catch these young thugs. It is another line of employment for the unemployed."  [City Health Profile participant]