WHEN the subject of violent and antisocial behaviour on our streets is raised, it is often pointed out that this is generally a very peaceful community where serious crime is rare.

It is also pointed out that violence is nothing new and that in the past skinheads, mods and rockers and even Teddy boys have each had their moment in this Island and have spurred moral outrage on the part of the law-abiding majority.

In spite of all this, crimes are committed from time to time which suggest that street violence is an increasing problem and that if firm action is not taken, matters will simply get worse.

A case in point is the recent attack by a gang of girls on a French student which is described in today’s newspaper. Several facts make this incident particularly worrying. To begin with, the initiators and perpetrators of the violence were female. Secondly, they were in their early teens. Thirdly, their victim was a French student, which introduced an element of racism into the offence.

Quite rightly, the Constable of St Helier, Simon Crowcroft, has expressed his horror and disgust at the nature of the assault, which lasted no less than an hour and appears to have begun for the most trivial of reasons – a request for a cigarette. The sustained attack apparently ensued when the student failed to understand what was being asked of her.

Mr Crowcroft is naturally disturbed by the racist nature of the attack – which was made explicit by the language which, according to court testimony, the assailants used. As he says, this is utterly unacceptable, particularly in this community, which, thanks to the evil ideology brought to the Island during the Nazi Occupation, should have a special insight into horrors that begin with insults and end with brutal persecution.

In addition, Mr Crowcroft has emphasised that if we are foolish enough to allow violent and racist behaviour to proliferate, human damage will be accompanied by adverse economic consequences. Foreign students will not want to come here if they have to worry about being beaten up. Equally, visitors of all other sorts will be deterred if St Helier earns a reputation for violence and disorder.

The police are already taking action to curb incidents of this sort, but it is clear that more must be done to reclaim our streets for law-abiding citizens. Additionally, it is always the case that parents, some of whom seem to exercise minimal control over their children, have a vital role to play in making sure that this is safe and civilised place for everyone.