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Some people have negative perceptions of how Gypsies and
Travellers behave, and believe that they are criminal, anti-social
and don't pay tax.
These perceptions are usually based on the behaviour of a small
number they have observed, and inaccurate and sometimes racist
reporting in the media.
Negative media reporting reinforces stereotypes, and leads to
anecdotal rather than factual discussion about Gypsies and
Travellers.
Assistant Chief Constable of Kent Police, David Ainsworth, was
quoted as saying on 19 October 2005:
"It is important to remember that only a small minority of the
Gypsy and Traveller population are criminals, the same as with the
settled population."
The minority who do cause disruption and nuisance set an
inaccurate stereotype for all Gypsies and Travellers.
All people in Kent should be dealt with based on their specific
behaviour rather than as a result of their ethnic or lifestyle
status.
In other words, issues involving Gypsies and Travellers should
be managed in the same way as they would be for any other member of
society - fairly, proportionately and
lawfully. |