Resolve launches ASB week dedicated to highlighting impact of Anti-Social Behaviour on communities

The UK’s first official week dedicated to tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) is being launched in March.

The Local Government Association, National Police Chiefs' Council, National Fire Chiefs' Council and leading political figures will launch "ASB Awareness Week - Making Communities Safer".

The week, between March 30 and April 5, will include an official launch in Westminster by Lord David Blunkett, Baroness Helen Newlove and Victims Commissioner Dame Vera Baird QC. An ASB conference and an awards ceremony will also be held.

Retailer the Co-op is also planning activity during the week, inviting MPs from across the country into its stores to discuss community safety issues.

Rebecca Bryant OBE, chief executive of Resolve, the ASB and community safety organisation behind the week, said she hoped to highlight the devastating impact on victims and encourage further debate to develop effective solutions.

Bryant emphasised the need to change the way ASB is viewed, saying “it is not low-level crime. It is not just about noisy neighbours and young people drinking on the streets. We need to make it a priority because it is ruining lives".

She added that early intervention, greater emphasis on community services, and a multi-agency approach is key to reducing all forms of ASB.

The annual Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated more than a third (39.3%) of adults experienced or witnessed antisocial behaviour in their community between October 2018 and September 2019 – its highest level for seven years.

Adam Carey