Exploring the Impact of Anti-Social Behaviour, Drug-Related Crime and County Lines on Local Communities: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

This qualitative research project explores the impact of Drug-Related Crime, Anti-Social Behaviour, and County Lines on local communities. The study aimed to elicit perceptions, views and insight of this impact from local community members. Data for the inquiry was collected by conducting semi-structured qualitative interviews with key informants chosen from local communities. The findings show that Anti-Social Behaviour has had a significant impact on the local communities chosen for the inquiry. In contrast the findings were indicative that the impact of Drug -Related Crime to be much less significant. Although open drug dealing had been a cause for concern reports of acquisitive crime normally associated with “problematic drug use” (Gordon et al., 2007) were extremely low. Evidence in the findings suggest that the overall impact of County Lines within the communities has led to certain amount of resentment and even hostility from local gangs. Included in the conclusion are suggestions for future exploration and research based on the findings of this inquiry.