Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has shared more information on how victims of support can access anti-social behaviour.
Lisa Townsend, who is currently asking members of the public to have their say on priorities for policing over the next three years, has shared Surrey-based resources during national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week.
The week, which takes place between November 18 and 22, aims to raise awareness of the impact anti-social behaviour can have.
What is anti-social behaviour?
More than two thirds of people in a recent survey told us they had either been a victim of or witness to antisocial behaviour. But what exactly is it?
ASB covers a wide range of issues including:
- Antisocial driving/speeding
- Nuisance noise
- Drug use or drug dealing
- Dog fouling
- Fly tipping
- Graffiti
- Littering
There are also some things that, while annoying, do not count as anti-social behaviour, which might include:
- DIY or off-road car repairs (unless late at night or early in the morning)
- Everyday living noises such as loud conversations, doors opening and closing, and lawnmowers in use
- One-off occasional events such as birthday parties, barbecues, or other celebrations
- Lawful use of fireworks
- Property boundary disputes
Police and Crime Plan
Lisa has urged members of the public to fill out a survey that will inform the creation of her next Police and Crime Plan, a blueprint for Surrey Police’s priorities between 2025 and 2028.
The Commissioner says anti-social behaviour is one of the key issues raised by residents around the county.
She said: “It is my job to ensure your views on policing in Surrey are heard and that is why I now ask for your help in creating my new Police and Crime Plan.
“I want to make sure the public’s priorities for policing are my priorities too. This is why I want as many people as possible to fill out the survey and let me know your views.”
It only takes a few minutes to complete and can be filled in here:
Surrey Police and Crime Plan 2025-28 public consultation
The survey will remain open until December 12 2024.
Policing Your Community
The Commissioner is also learning more about anti-social behaviour in different Surrey towns and villages through her Policing Your Community roadshow, held in partnership with Surrey Police.
Anti-social behaviour covers a wide spectrum of incidents, which may include neighbourhood disputes, noise, rowdy behaviour, and poor driving.
It can also be linked to criminal offences, including speeding, violence, vandalism, and drug dealing.
Lisa said: “There is often a perception among those who attend my Policing Your Community events that anti-social behaviour isn’t worth reporting.
“But the reality is, it can have a severe and harmful impact on victims.
“For some, there will be no escape, even in their own homes.
“During recent meetings, I’ve heard much about how officers deal with anti-social behaviour.
“In Mole Valley, police are targeting repeat offenders and carrying out regular operations to tackle anti-social driving and e-scooter and e-bike riding.
“In Woking, three properties connected to crime have been closed down in three months.
“In Spelthorne, more than 20 e-bikes have been seized in Stanwell and Ashford after they were connected to criminality.
“Policing teams across the county are committed to dealing with anti-social behaviour. But we know there is always more work to do to ensure residents feel safe.”
Support available
A range of measures are available for those affected by anti-social behaviour.
The Commissioner’s office funds Mediation Surrey, which aims to resolve neighbourhood issues through discussion.
Those who feel failed after repeatedly reporting anti-social behaviour can turn to the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review their actions.
Working with partners, the Commissioner’s office has also secured Home Office Safer Streets funding, which is currently being used in Redhill, Guildford and Walton-on-Thames to tackle anti-social behaviour.
In addition, Lisa secured a £1million government grant for hotspot policing, which uses police intelligence to flood Surrey’s worst-affected areas with officers.
To learn more about how to access support or report an issue, visit healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb
ASB Help explains more about the different types of anti-social behaviour. It also has an interactive guide to help you report ASB to the right agency in the right way.
You can also report anti-social behaviour directly to Surrey Police via surrey.police.uk/ro/report/asb/asb-v3/report-antisocial-behaviour/
In an emergency, always call 999.