ENFIELD Council has joined forces with police to launch the Take Pride poster campaign in the hope of ending anti-social behaviour and hate crime.

Under the slogan 'we all belong to the human race', the new posters will be displayed in the borough's streets and bus stops to help tackle the 713 cases of racial harassment reported in the borough between April 2000 and March 2001.

The posters ask people to end race and homophobic crime and general antisocial behaviour such as neighbour nuisance, excessive noise, abusive language and intimidation.

Concern is growing for the number of incidents reported in the borough. More than 450 cases of racial harassment have been reported in Enfield so far this year along with 50 serious cases of antisocial behaviour.

In cases of serious racial harassment tenants have been evicted from council property and the multi-agency Racial Incidents Action Group is on hand to review all cases.

Community Safety manager Mark Sanger said:" We are joining forces with the police to help end this type of crime. There has been an increase in crimes against gay people and we are getting more reports of racial crime. "The council will support all victims and encourage anyone who experiences hate crime to come forward."

Council Leader Cllr Doug Taylor added: "Take Pride is not just a matter of dealing with the environment. It is about changing attitudes and values and that means recognising that we are all part of the community."

Victims of antisocial behaviour can speak to council officer Kate Priest, who has legal expertise on 8379 3703.

Racial harassment victims can contact racial support officers Elizabeth Akurang at the Civic Centre on 8379 4182 or Minu Patel on 8379 4184.