Join the national campaign against anti-social behaviour

Devon and Cornwall Police have joined the nationwide effort to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) as part of ASB Awareness Week 2024, which runs from November 18 to 24. 

ASB Awareness Week encourages communities across Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly to take a stand against anti-social behaviour while highlighting the support available to those impacted.

Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week sheds light on the far-reaching impacts of ASB. 

Research conducted by YouGov for Resolve revealed that nearly 20 per cent of people in the UK have considered moving home due to ASB, with 10 per cent having actually relocated. Alarmingly, over half of those who experienced or witnessed ASB did not report it.

In response, Devon and Cornwall Police are urging residents not to suffer in silence. Victims and witnesses are encouraged to report incidents either to their local council’s anti-social behaviour team or directly to the police.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We understand the impact anti-social behaviour can have. I would always encourage people to continue to report antisocial behaviour in order that we can respond at the time or, if appropriate, forward to your local neighbourhood policing team so that they can investigate the matters. If there is an immediate danger, then you should use 999, but you can also report by calling 101, from the Report button on our website front page, or by visiting our police enquiry offices.”

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, said: “Anti-social behaviour has an impact on people's quality of life. It includes hate crime, continuous noise or parties, vandalism, misuse of communal areas or public spaces, criminal behaviour, alcohol-related disturbances, nuisance vehicle noise, verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or threatening behaviour and isn’t limited to urban areas. I am committed to ending its toxic influence on our communities.”

Rebecca Bryant, OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve, added: “ASB is not low-level. It can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime.

“It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities. 

“We are delighted that Devon and Cornwall Police are supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”

More information about ASB Awareness Week: www.resolveuk.org.uk

Information about types of ASB and how to report it: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour 

Information about the ASB case review: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/ASB/sf/ASB-case-review

How to sign up to the community messaging system: https://alerts.dc.police.uk/

How to partake in the ongoing community survey: https://alerts-survey.dc.police.uk/Survey/REGISTRATION/CF870918199193EEA65C2B36EFFC6C09