Anti-social behaviour awareness week

Yesterday, 19 July, marked the start of Anti-social Behaviour Awareness (ASB) Week.

Lincolnshire Police will be highlighting the issue and sharing four case studies that demonstrate what we do, in partnership, to tackle various problems.

Chief Inspector Simon Skelton, of the Safer Together Partnership said, “Our vison for Lincolnshire identifies ASB as a top priority with a focus on reducing repeat victimisation and calls for service. While ASB includes comparatively low level offending, the impact on victims can be severe, affecting how safe they feel, and their quality of life. It can make life a misery.

“Partnership work is absolutely key to addressing the issues and creating a safer Lincolnshire. It’s vital that we work with other agencies and organisations to tackle the problem from every angle and find long term solutions and preventions. No one should have to suffer repeated ASB.”

Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones said, “I recognise how important tackling anti-social behaviour is in creating a community that feels safe for residents. Whilst enforcement plays a key role in addressing the problem, like many community issues, the long term solution lies in partners working together.

“We are taking this approach in Lincolnshire and agencies are coming together to fight anti-social behaviour – making a real difference to people’s lives. I hope shining a light on the work being done can encourage more people to come forward and report issues so we can eradicate anti-social behaviour from our streets and neighbourhoods.”

During awareness week, we will be highlighting what you can do if you are suffering ASB and joining forces with other agencies and organisations to promote who can help you.

Police aim to raise awareness of the importance of working in partnership. In many cases of ASB, different agencies may contribute to the solution, as they can address a particular aspect of the problem.

Chief Insp Skelton explained: “For example, to effectively deal with repeated street begging, we need to share information and work with other agencies and charities to support the individual. Why are they begging? There might be multiple reasons such as mental health problems, homelessness and addiction.”       

Their four case studies each demonstrate a partnership approach to address and / or prevent ASB. Throughout the week, we will highlight a Closure Order in Boston to tackle nuisance neighbours, use of Criminal Behaviour Orders in Lincoln centre, youth ASB in the Skegness area and education programme delivery in Lincolnshire’s schools.

What is antisocial behaviour?

Anti-social behaviour (ASB) is defined as ‘Conduct that has caused, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to any person’.

Abandoned vehicles, littering, rowdy neighbours, vehicle nuisance, street drinking and misuse of fireworks are all examples of ASB. They are often not isolated incidents but repeated problems that have a cumulative impact on those affected by the behaviour.

Not all ASB is a police matter. Some issues are reportable to the District or County Council. You can find out more about each type of ASB, and which organisation can help you, on our website under our reporting and advice section.

Safer Lincolnshire Partnership

The Safer Lincolnshire Partnership is the single multi-agency forum for addressing community safety issues across Lincolnshire. For information on the Partnership including it’s aims and objectives, its current key priorities, as well as a list of agencies that form the partnership, please go to the Safer Lincolnshire Partnership website

Victim Lincs

If you’ve been the victim of crime, support is available, whether you have reported the crime to the police or not. Victim Lincs provide free, confidential advice and guidance, as well as access to specialist emotional support services. Visit victimlincs.co.uk or call 01522 947510 Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm.