Jack McConnell visited a London community

He voiced his hope of breaking the "cycle of crime" in some communities on a fact-finding to south-east London.

Mr McConnell went to a community safety action zone in Belvedere to see how social behaviour orders operate in London.

He said there was real evidence that they work.

Crime has fallen nearly 7% in the year since the Slade Green zone was launched, while vandalism and street crime have dropped by more than 20%.

The Scottish Executive is due to publish its anti-social behaviour bill next week for consultation.

The proposed legislation includes extending anti-social behaviour orders and electronic tagging to under-16s as well as banning the sale of spray paint to young teenagers.

I think it is possible in some areas to halt the cycle of the crime and also the increasing despair of local people and communities by taking a stand Jack McConnell First Minister

Mr McConnell said there were various tactics used in Belvedere that he would like to see repeated in Scotland.

He said anti-social behaviour orders had targeted troublemakers and kept them away from those who were simply following suit.

Improved witness protection had also given people more confidence to report incidents.

Mr McConnell said he was determined to get local authorities, the police and communities working together to help reverse "30 years of decline" in Scotland.

"I think it is possible in some areas to halt the cycle of the crime and also the increasing despair of local people and communities by taking a stand.

"What this government is saying is that we are on your side and we are going to make sure that the local authorities and organisations do something about it so that people can once again reclaim pride in their environment.