Neighbourhood Watch launches campaign to ‘SAY NO to ASB’ as incidents on the rise as country recovers from Covid

Antisocial behaviour (ASB) incidents have increased over the last three years. Police forces, councils and housing associations are reporting significant spikes in ASB cases – and these are not minor incidents. They are complex and serious cases causing real harm to many people. 

45% of people say ASB is a problem where they live and 56% of those who had either been a victim of or a witness to ASB, did not report it to anyone.*

To help tackle the rise in ASB and relunctance to report it, Neighbourhood Watch Network has released a campaign encouraging people to SAY NO TO ASB.  The campaign challenges people to recognise what is ASB is and isn’t, and leads them to record it and report it to the correct authorities before the situation escalates to life-threatening activity.

John Hayward-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch Network said “Recognising what antisocial behaviour is and isn't can be subjective, which is why we have worked closely alongside partner organsiations such as Resolve and ASB Help to develop clear guidance on recoginsing, recording and reporting antisocial behaviour.”

The charity stresses that reporting antisocial behaviour early on is important to prevent it from escalating and potentially ruining lives and devastating communities. 

To support people in recognising and reporting incidents, the charity is encouraging people to record incidents in their downloadable 14-day diary. They are also delivering a free webinar ‘SAY NO TO ASB’ open to the public, on the 15th November at 5pm. Tickets will be available from ourwatch.org.uk/webinars.

Visit ourwatch.org.uk/asb to find out more about how to speak out against ASB in your community.

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Notes to Editor

  1. *Data source: Taking Back our Communities - working together to make communities safer report, commissioned in 2021 by RESOLVE, a Centre of Excellence solely focused upon community safety and antisocial behaviour
  2. Spokespeople are available for interview and comment regarding this story
  3. For more information, contact enquiries@ourwatch.org.uk.