Standing together against Anti-Social Behaviour in Derbyshire

Organisations across Derbyshire are supporting national Anti-Social Behaviour Awareness Week and will be helping residents learn more about what is and isn’t anti-social behaviour and where to turn if they need help.

Derbyshire County Council, Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, city, borough and district councils and Derbyshire Victim Services are among those showing their commitment to tackling the issue during the second official awareness week which runs from 18 - 24 July.

This year’s theme is respect and tolerance and by working together local organisations aim to raise awareness among Derbyshire residents of the fine balance between tolerance, respect and enforcement.

Derbyshire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Michelle Shooter said: “Anti-social behaviour has an enormous impact on our communities and is a priority area for the force.

"Officers will work with partners to ensure that the root causes are identified and remedied, and also to bring those responsible to justice using a range of different outcomes dependant on the circumstances.

"It is vital that incidents are reported to ensure that as a force we have the very best information to inform our local policing strategies.”

As well as events across the county throughout ASB Awareness Week 2022, an online resource is available for anyone who is affected by anti-social behaviour or wants to find out more. Visit Derbyshire ASB Hub (saferderbyshire.gov.uk) for information about:

• Events to mark ASB Awareness Week
• What is and what is not anti-social behaviour
• How to report anti-social behaviour
• What action can be taken
• Support available for victims

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities Councillor Carol Hart said: “The summer always sees an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour, as people spend more time outdoors and windows are left open, allowing sound to carry.

“The theme of this year’s anti-social behaviour awareness week is respect and tolerance and I’d ask everyone to consider the impact their behaviour might have on others, their neighbours and their communities.

“Where there is repeated anti-social behaviour, the police, councils and housing providers are working together to help people who are affected by it.”

Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: “I know that anti-social behaviour can cause distress and impact on people’s quality of life. Residents of Derbyshire want to see it dealt with robustly and effectively that is why tackling this type of behaviour is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan and why I have commissioned a dedicated support service for victims of anti-social behaviour. If we want to make a difference then we must take a strong stance and work together.

“To support this priority, I have already made targeted grant funding streams available specifically to support projects designed to reduce anti-social behaviour and I’m pleased to see that they are delivering very positive results.

“But the police cannot tackle anti-social behaviour in isolation and it requires a co-ordinated effort from all agencies. I am pleased to see the councils, fire and rescue and the force working together and this week will provide an opportunity for Derbyshire residents to see the support available to them if they are affected by anti-social behaviour.”

Many things, such as teenagers meeting in groups or children playing in the street, or an occasional party are not necessarily anti-social behaviour. But problems that happen frequently over a long period of time and cause alarm, distress or harassment could be.

By keeping a diary to monitor and record persistent antisocial behaviour it can be used as evidence to support further action by the police and partner agencies. The sort of things to keep a note of, no matter how insignificant they may seem, could include:

• The exact time, date and location of the incident
• What they were doing
• How their actions affected you and/or others
• Any other witnesses

If you know of a specific issue that needs police intervention, you can report online on our website. Visit the home page Home | Derbyshire Constabulary and click on 'Report'. You can also call 101. Remember, to report a crime in progress or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.