As forces crack down on ASB during a dedicated awareness week, the APCC has called for collective responsibility.

ASB Awareness week began yesterday and will see a push to raise awareness and inform the wider public on anti-social behaviour. 

However, Joint Local Policing Leads Cleveland PCC Steve Turner and Gwent PCC Jeff Cuthbert have used the opportunity to remind services that everyone has a part to play in tackling the problem. 

“Anti-social behaviour has a devastating impact on victims and communities and can threaten fundamental aspects of everyday life,” they said in a joint statement. 

“What is important to reiterate is that anti-social behaviour is not a policing issue; it is a partnership issue.

“Police and Crime Commissioners play a crucial role in bringing together partners and agencies to tackle issues in the community on behalf of the public. Tackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority highlighted in all police and crime plans in England and Wales. As the voice of the public, we continue to fund preventative projects and initiatives and work with partners to support vulnerable young people.

“Nationally, we are working with all PCCs reviewing the tools, powers and levers to respond and prevent ASB locally.”

Yesterday, the Home Office published anti-social behaviour principles - they set out that agencies and practitioners should “work across boundaries” as well as having a clear and transparent process for reporting concerns. 

Meanwhile, forces are setting out on their own awareness campaigns this week. Avon and Somerset, for example, have launched a new ASB Service Standard which is aimed at ensuring methods for tackling the problem manage repeat perpetrators among other aims, while North Devon are holding a partnership ‘ASB action day’ on Thursday. On the day, neighbourhood teams and representatives from other services will engage in a number of activities collectively from engagement with rough sleepers through to offering ASB advice to local businesses.