JUST A THOUGHT - ON HOW DEALING WITH DRUGS, KNIFE AND GUN CRIMES, IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYBODY, AND NOT JUST A 'LAW ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM.' PART 6.

But because it really is difficult to arrest and turnaround any of these places, once the rot, as it were, has set in and taken hold. 

As I have already noted, we only have to look at the terrible dereliction which has befallen all or parts  of parts of any village, neighbourhood, town or city which have become infected with endemic crime and deprivation. 

Once this infection has taken hold of these human habitats, unless firm and appropriate action, collective action is taken to bring them back to good health. 

They begin to degenerate, lose the more mobile and able of their population, and fill those who remain with a feeling of being overwhelmed, of not having any control to stop the slide, or power to turn the clock back.

Which is why it is so important that all of us take sufficient pride in our homes and the villages, neighbourhoods, towns and cities in which we live. 

That we take responsibility to not allow our homes, whether we are homeowners or tenants, or, yes, even homeless, to fall into disrepair. 

That we keep our living spaces tidy, do not do anything to damage their appearance or environmental health.

That we take timely action and do what we can to avoid problems arising. 

Instead of having to cope with the bigger challenges of trying to solve them later, when they might only be 'solvable' by poignant containment or punitive action. 

Everybody need to to take appropriate responsibility for crime prevention and safety and well-being promotion action in the places in which we live.

To be continued!