Time is running out to have your say on anti-social behaviour (ASB) as a county-wide survey launched by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend closes this weekend.
Getting tough on anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a key part of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, that includes making sure people are protected from harm and feel safe.
The survey by the county’s ASB and Community Harm Reduction Partnership Delivery Group, that includes her office, aims to boost the service that residents receive.
In order to hear from more people, it has been extended to the end of this Sunday, 02 April.
It only takes a few minutes to fill in the survey and you can have your say here: https://smartsurvey.co.uk/s/GQZJN3/
Anti-social behaviour takes many forms, ranging from rowdy or inconsiderate behaviour to anti-social driving and criminal damage.
Responses to the survey will provide a fresh picture of the problems that communities in Surrey face and will be used to raise more awareness of how to report ASB and the support that is available to victims.
Persistent ASB can significantly increase the risk to an individual’s health and is often connected with the bigger picture of community safety. For example, repeat ASB might indicate that ‘hidden’ crimes including abuse or drug use are taking place, or that a vulnerable individual is being targeted or exploited.
Charity ASB Help supported the launch of the survey and will be working with the Commissioner’s office and Surrey Police to analyse the feedback and help amplify the voice of victims.
Commissioner Lisa Townsend said ASB was a topic that is regularly raised by residents in Surrey, but that it could not be ‘solved’ by police alone:
“Anti-social behaviour is often described as a ‘low level’ crime but I don’t agree – it can have a lasting and devastating impact on people’s lives.
“I regularly hear from residents affected by ASB and they often feel there is no escape. It is happening where they are and may repeat weekly or even daily.
“Making sure our communities feel safe is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan for Surrey and I’m proud that we have a strong partnership tackling ASB in Surrey. By working together, we can see the bigger picture to reduce ASB in the longer term. But we can only do that by making sure we listen to victims and actively identify how to strengthen the support for those affected.
“There is more to do. Your views are really important for us to improve the response we provide, including raising more awareness of the ways you can report different problems and access help.”
The online survey will close at midnight on Sunday 02 April.
Anyone affected by ASB in Surrey can find out which agency to contact for different problems at https://www.healthysurrey.org.uk/community-safety/asb/who-deals-with-it
Parking issues and people gathering socially are not forms of ASB. ASB that should be reported to the police includes criminal damage, drug use and antisocial drinking, begging or antisocial use of vehicles.
Support is available if you are affected by persistent ASB in Surrey. Visit the Mediation Surrey website for more information about mediation and coaching to resolve community, neighbourhood or family disputes.
Visit our Community Trigger page to find out what to do if you have reported the same problem on multiple occasions in a six month period, but have not received a response that resolves the issue.