As part of our support for national Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Awareness Week, we’re sharing information tying in with today’s theme of Victims’ Day.

We know how serious the impact of ASB can be – affecting individuals and communities, from how safe people feel to their quality of life.

Because of this, we’re really keen to encourage anyone affected by ASB to report it – either to the police or to their local council.

Although not all ASB issues are police matters, we aim to work with partners to help resolve them as quickly as possible. This not only helps people, but can also prevent things escalating to criminal behaviour.

What is antisocial behaviour?

ASB covers a broad spectrum of issues and can be very subjective. What’s considered to be ASB can really vary from person to person.

The legal definition of ASB can be summed up as conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person. This definition may also include causing nuisance or annoyance.

There are three main categories for antisocial behaviour, depending on how many people are affected:

A local partnership approach is the key to dealing with ASB – councils, police and other groups working together will all contribute to the intervention that will reduce the behaviour and prevent it from escalating.

By reporting that you’re being affected by ASB, you will help these local partnerships to build up a picture of what’s happening within your community and where they need to focus on.

The police, in partnership with the council, will seek to understand the effect that the ASB is having on victims and the wider community and take a harm-centred approach to their problem-solving.

Reporting ASB and finding support

If you’re affected by ASB, please don’t suffer in silence. You can report to the police or your local council.

Reporting an issue allows the police and partners to see what’s happening, and take steps to protect and support you, as well as address the behaviour itself.

Find information on ASB, including how to report it, here: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/

Report non-emergency incidents via 101, or call 999 in an emergency, where a crime is in progress or life is at risk.

Many Thanks