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Crime

Violent crime and anti-social behaviour are rife and the fear of crime can itself have a devastating impact on the lives of older people:

"Although older people are less likely to become victims of crime than younger people, the fear of crime can have an adverse effect on their health and well-being. Fear may lead to isolation and self-restriction, and prevent older people from living active and fulfilling lives."
Age Concern Scotland

The New Party will reduce criminal bureaucracy and increase the use of civilian staff in order that police resources are better used. We will form a new enforcement agency to tackle organised crime, we will legalise electronic surveillance and we will introduce new laws to convict the people behind serious crime. The assets of drug barons and others convicted of major offences will be seized automatically and it will be up to those convicted to prove that they acquired their assets by legal means. We will introduce a system of penalty points for petty offences leading to fines, loss of benefits and custodial sentences.

We will reduce re-offending by giving prisoners a proper education where necessary and by linking their release to them gaining the skills and the social awareness required to support themselves and act responsibly within society. However, the most effective long term measure to cut crime will be to ensure that as many people as possible leave school with a proper education and skills.

See our policies on Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.