Beyond lawful protest
It is important to make the distinction between peaceful campaigners, and those who are intent on breaking the law in an attempt to further a campaign.
Thousands of people take part in peaceful demonstrations every year and most protests pass without incident. The vast majority of people want to get their point across, but understand that other people may have differing views and respect the rights of others.
There are a small number of activists who sometimes set out to break the law, for instance, in order to attract publicity for their cause. While their actions generally avoid physical attacks on people, they may include damage to property or aggravated trespass. This can still cause significant disruption and impose economic costs on lawful businesses.
Occasionally, an individual or group of extremists will embark on a more sustained campaign of criminality which can include ongoing harassment and intimidation, in some cases with the aim of creating a climate of fear in order to coerce an organisation to cease a lawful activity.
Where the law is broken, the police have a duty to respond. The prevention of crime is equally important, and police may take action if there is reason to believe individuals or groups are planning to break the law.
