We've joined a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Hertsmere.
Running from November 18 to 24, ASB Awareness Week 2024 aims to encourage communities to take a stand against anti-social behaviour (ASB) and highlight the actions that can be taken by those experiencing it.
Organised by Resolve, the UK’s leading ASB and community safety organisation, the week features a series of events across the UK involving councils, police forces, Housing Associations, charities, community groups and sports clubs.
YouGov research commissioned by Resolve found that almost one in five people have had to consider moving home because of the impact ASB was having on them; one in 10 have actually moved. Despite this, over half of those surveyed who were either a victim or witness of ASB did not report it.
We’re urging members of the public not to suffer in silence if they experience ASB. Incidents can be reported to the Community Safety team here at the council or to the police if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger.
Cllr Chris Gray, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Neighbourhoods, Enforcement, Economic Development and Transformation, said: "We are supporting ASB Awareness Week in Hertsmere, raising the profile of the impacts of anti-social behaviour and reinforcing our message that behaviour of this kind will not be tolerated. People unfortunately don’t always think about the consequences of their actions, which can have long-lasting impacts on others, as well as on their own futures.
“Victims of anti-social behaviour can be impacted more than we think due to the mindless actions of others - with people often experiencing anxiety, feeling unsafe or afraid to leave their homes.
"The vast majority of people are considerate and law-abiding members of the public, so it’s important that those who disrupt our communities, cannot be allowed to affect so many people’s lives. Hertsmere should be safe and reassuring place for everyone, so I want to assure the public that Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership and our partners are dedicated to tackling this kind of behaviour, as we understand it can have a lasting impact on individuals and neighbourhoods."
Hertsmere Chief Inspector, Ashleigh Hair, said: “While anti-social behaviour is not always a crime, it can have a severe impact on people’s lives and on communities, which is simply not acceptable. We take reports very seriously and are committed to working with the public and partners to tackle anti-social behaviour issues in Hertsmere.”
Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve, added: “ASB is not low-level. It can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime. It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities.
“We are delighted that Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”
For more information about ASB Awareness Week – visit www.resolveuk.org.uk
Visit our community safety page for more information about the Hertsmere Community Safety Partnership or hear from Cllr Gray
