Classical music keeps anti-social behaviour at bay
Collaboration between West Midlands Police (WMP) and local traders in Birmingham has led to an unexpected reduction in anti-social behaviour thanks to classical music.
Collaboration between West Midlands Police (WMP) and local traders in Birmingham has led to an unexpected reduction in anti-social behaviour thanks to classical music.
An initiative was set up between the force and traders designed to create a welcoming environment for commuters in which the police teamed up with traders to upgrade the public address system on the ramp leading to the Pallasades shopping centre in the city.
The aim was to pipe soothing classical music to passers-by and share important policing information.
However, within days of the scheme being set up, officers and shopkeepers noticed that the number of young people hanging around had significantly reduced as did the associated number of complaints from members of the public. When the system was temporarily switched off to allow for additional tracks to be uploaded, the young people returned.
PC Dominic McGrath, from the city centre neighbourhood policing team who helped develop the scheme, said: From experience we know that areas where there are lots of people and which are well kept experience fewer crimes and instances of anti-social behaviour, but weve been surprised by the effect the music has had on young people.
Since the scheme went live, fewer young people are gathering on the ramp and weve seen a dip in the number of people who are asking us to move them on. Clearly, they dont like our choice of tunes.
The initiative was made a success following work between the force and traders after an extensive range of music had been secured courtesy of the Pallasades branch of HMV with the necessary licences supplied by Birmingham City Council.
The music and messages had been programmed to run between 9am to 9.30pm weekdays and 12pm to 9.30pm on weekends.