Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend is encouraging residents to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) during a dedicated week focused on its impact in Surrey.
The Commissioner said it was important to recognise the impact that ASB – such as neighbourhood disputes and noise – can have on victims, including serious health concerns and a feeling that there is ‘no escape’.
During July, she joined officers on a targeted patrol to tackle ASB and raised awareness of the bigger picture of organised criminality that is often linked to persistent cases.
ASB can include rowdy behaviour, vandalism and anti-social driving. Incidents involving driving may also be linked to criminal offences like speeding, violence and drug dealing.
In Surrey, the Anti-social Behaviour and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group – which includes Surrey Police, Surrey County Council, local councils, health, housing and support services – aims to support victims and drive down offences.
Residents affected by ASB can learn more about how to report different problems by visiting https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb
This spring, more than 1,000 residents responded to the Partnership’s annual ASB Survey, which is supported by the Commissioner’s office.
Half of those to respond highlighted anti-social driving, speeding and inconsiderate parking as key issues in their area.
Over a third of residents who responded to the survey cited littering, inconsiderate dog ownership and fly-tipping as other concerns.
Surrey remains one of the safest counties in England and Wales and, in 2024, Surrey Police have received additional funding to boost the presence of police and community safety partners in areas of the county that experience higher rates of ASB and violence.
Commissioner Lisa Townsend urged residents who are affected by ASB where they live to learn more about the support available, including from Mediation Surrey that is funded by her office to support individuals to resolve conflict. They also offer Support Coaching that provides a listening ear and is focused on the ways that victims of ASB can protect their wellbeing while an issue is being addressed.
She also highlighted the ASB Case Review, which draws together key partners to review cases of ASB that have been reported more than three times in a six-month period, but where little improvement is reported.
The Commissioner said: “Anti-social behaviour remains the biggest topic of conversation when I speak to people across the county about policing.
“Making sure that Surrey residents feel safe is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan.
“It is really important that individuals who are experiencing ASB know that it is being taken seriously in Surrey. My message is, please don’t suffer in silence. There are amazing services in our county who are there to listen and support you.
“The ASB Case Review gives those people who have already reported a problem several times a way to escalate their concerns. By requesting a Case Review, they’ll be heard by a wider group of organisations that will unite to find a better solution.”
To learn more about reporting different kinds of anti-social behaviour or to request an ASB Case Review, visit https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb
Rowdy behaviour, drug use, anti-social use of vehicles, anti-social drinking and criminal damage are examples of ASB and crime that should be reported to the police.
Contact Surrey Police on 101, on official Surrey Police social media channels or at https://surrey.police.uk Always dial 999 in an emergency.