Crime

With both urban and rural areas experiencing increases in crime it has become a major social and political issue. There are no instant solutions, no easy options. There are many different types of crime, and different types of crime have different potential solutions. Crime will decrease when there is a co-ordinated response - social and economic, as well as law enforcement - to deal with the many causes of crime.

Government must invest in preventative programmes aimed at removing the causes of crime. Locking more people up in ``get tough'' jail regimes is not by itself a solution. Community facilities, training and jobs are vital elements in tackling crime.

Sinn Fein supports:

• police strategies to tackle crime lords and anti-social gangs
• Upgrading the court system to ensure speedy but fair trials
• Prisons to focus on rehabilitation and training to help prevent re-offending
• Effective post-release monitoring and support measures
• Non-custodial sentences, e.g. community service and/or restitution to the victim, where appropriate