3:54am UK, Tuesday May 09, 2006

Britain has the worst record for anti-social behaviour in Europe.

According to a new report, Britons feel our booze culture and a lack of discipline are the key causes of an escalating problem.

180drunk&disorderly police arrest binge drinking

Binge drinking to blame

Researchers said it was a "wake-up call" and that increased access to alcohol could not be the answer.

The survey found 76% questioned in France, Germany, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain believed Britain had a "big or moderate problem" with anti-social behaviour, followed by France (75%) and Germany (61%).

In Britain, 95% agreed it was a "big or moderate problem" here, according to the survey by security firm ADT and the Jill Dando Institute of Crime.

Professor Gloria Laycock of the Jill Dando Institute said: "This research is a wake-up call.

"We know anti-social behaviour is a major issue in Great Britain - and the rest of Europe clearly agrees.

"The study shows people believe it is fuelled by the excessive consumption of alcohol.

"Increasing our access to alcohol cannot be the answer and it is time that the Government addressed perceptions of this problem."

Adrian Casey, managing director of ADT Europe & South Africa, said: "These perceptions, both inside and outside of Britain, are worrying."

The survey was carried out in January and questioned 1,055 people in France, 1,061 in Germany, 1,748 in Great Britain, 1,060 in Italy, 1,061 in the Netherlands and 1,062 in Spain.

Respondents were aged 16 to 64 in all countries except Spain and Italy where they were 16 to 54.